‘US Embassy will continue to celebrate bilateral ties’

(Continued from Page 1) On US-Qatar trade relations, the Charge d’Affaires of the US to Qatar Natalie Baker stated, “The United States and Qatar share exte...

(Continued from Page 1)On US-Qatar trade relations, the Charge d’Affaires of the US to Qatar Natalie Baker stated, “The United States and Qatar share extensive economic ties that have flourished over the last fifty years. The US is Qatar’s largest foreign direct investor and second largest source of imports, and Qatar has billions invested in the United States.”“Together, we have developed a robust trade and investment relationship, with over 120 US companies operating in Qatar, in sectors ranging from security cooperation to energy to information and communications technology. Our partnership continues to deepen and diversify, as together we work to achieve Qatar’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.”She added, “For instance, just this week, we witnessed Microsoft and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology launch the Digital Center of Excellence in Msheireb, a launching pad for next generation skilling for the people of the United States and Qatar.”Regarding cultural ties, she said, “The US Embassy organized a trip for Department of State Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) cultural envoy, singer and humanitarian activist Maya Azucena to Qatar to participate in a series of cultural events including: a workshop and panel discussion with the Doha Women Forum on the power of music and storytelling; musical performances at Souq Waqif and Al Hazm Mall.”“We were pleased that Qatar featured the US as the Guest of Honor for the 2021 Year of Culture. Last year, the US and Qatar hosted events across both countries in celebration of our cultural ties. Events from California to New York and throughout Doha showcased music, art, literature, sports, business, fashion, culinary arts, and more. The US Embassy in Qatar will continue to celebrate the strong bilateral relationship through a multitude of events throughout 2022, to further enhance diverse people-to-people connections, promote intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between the two countries.”Concerning Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, she said, “We congratulate Qatar for its innovative preparations thus far and we will continue to support the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in advance of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.”She underlined, “We are committed to expanding close interagency cooperation to ensure a safe and successful tournament, and we have already collaborated on cybersecurity, law enforcement training, public relations, human rights, and a carbon-neutrality. We welcome the opportunity to consult with Qatar in advance of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in North America.”