(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) DOHA, Jan 13 (KUNA) -- Qatar has expressed appreciation for the US support to the efforts exerted by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to restore the Gulf unity.
"Qatar highlighted its appreciation for the constructive role played by the United States in support of the efforts of the Amir of Kuwait to resolve the dispute," reads a joint statement at the conclusion of the Second Qatari-US Strategic Dialogue in Doha Sunday and co-chaired by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammad Al Thani.
"Qatar and the United States affirmed their continued support for a strong and united Gulf Cooperation Council that is focused on promoting a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of the region and on countering regional threats," it added.
The statement pointed out that the two sides discussed potential mechanisms to address wider regional challenges beyond the Gulf, including establishing a Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) between the United States and its Gulf and regional partners.
It stated that the two governments discussed regional security, including: joint efforts to defeat the Islamic State group, finding a lasting resolution to the conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, as well as political developments in Iraq; and efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The United States also recognized Qatar's active leadership and mediation to promote peace and reconciliation among all parties in Afghanistan and Sudan. The US shared Qatar's concern about recent developments in Gaza and the need for tangible steps to improve humanitarian and economic conditions," reads the statement.
The United States acknowledged Qatar's generous humanitarian role bilaterally and multilaterally through the work of various UN agencies, in the form of a USD 500 million multi-year assistance pledge, including USD eight million annually between 2019 and 2023 to support forcibly displaced populations, and assist refugees including millions of vulnerable young children and women.
Qatar and the United States emphasized the vital contribution their defense partnership provides for the security and stability of the region.
"This strong and lasting partnership is key to successfully combating terrorism, countering violent extremism, and deterring external aggression. US officials lauded Qatar's contributions in supporting the strategic US military presence in Qatar under the US Central Command," the joint statement clarified.
They also highlighted the strength of the bilateral relationship and the opportunities to further deepen cooperation to benefit both countries.
The United States and Qatar signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Statements of Intent (SOIs) to advance cooperation in different areas.
Among the signed MOUs was a memo for cooperation in the field of education to continue building and sustaining key partnerships in the fields of: primary, secondary, and higher education; English and Arabic language instruction; student advising; promoting academic exchange; and facilitating a wide range of study abroad options that enable students to achieve their personal and professional goals.
In recognition of the bilateral cooperation in the field of culture, the two governments also signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to work together to enhance cultural understanding and people-to-people connections between the United States and Qatar, in order to foster mutual understanding, promote intercultural dialogue, and support the shared ideals of tolerance and appreciation for diversity.
To expand partnerships and advance mutual policy goals in those areas, the two sides agreed to hold the first working group in April of 2019. (pickup previous) nnd.ibi
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