WASHINGTON, 14 November 2021, (TON): Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani led the fourth U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue on November 12, 2021 in Washington, DC.

A testament to our strong partnership, this year’s dialogue addressed regional and global issues, and advanced bilateral cooperation in the areas of health, humanitarian assistance, international development, labor and human rights, security cooperation, climate change, trade and investment, culture, and education. 

The United States and Qatar signed several accords, including an Arrangement on the Protection of U.S. Interests in Afghanistan and an MOU on Cooperation to Host Individuals at Risk Due to the Situation in Afghanistan.

Regional Cooperation and Global Affairs

Underscoring deep cooperation on regional issues, U.S. and Qatari officials discussed challenges in Afghanistan and the extraordinary teamwork between the two countries on the relocation to the United States, through Qatar, of more than 60,000 U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, Special Immigrant Visa holders and at-risk Afghans. 

Both sides discussed political developments in the region, including in Syria, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa.  The United States and Qatar remain deeply concerned about the West Bank and Gaza, will continue to work together to improve humanitarian and economic conditions for all, and discussed the importance of achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

The United States highlighted Qatar’s bilateral and multilateral humanitarian assistance efforts, including its collaboration with UN agencies in the form of a $500 million multi-year assistance pledge to aid forcibly displaced populations and refugees.