Qatar, US discuss several defense, economic files during recent meeting

(MENAFN) Qatar and the United States reaffirmed their defense and security partnership during the Seventh Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, held on Dec. 17 in Washington, officials announced Saturday. The meeting was attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a statement cited by the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

The dialogue underscored the countries’ commitment to the defense and security arrangements outlined in the Sept. 29 executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security. Key aspects of the partnership include upgrades to military infrastructure at Al-Udeid Air Base, improvements in air and maritime security, and enhanced NATO interoperability through joint training and operational initiatives. Both sides reaffirmed a statement of intent signed during President Donald Trump’s May visit to Doha, covering potential investments exceeding $38 billion, including support for Al-Udeid Base and development of future defense capabilities.

Officials also discussed plans to establish the first bilateral joint air defense command center.

The US reiterated its commitment to “Qatar’s security and territorial integrity,” while Qatar highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in addressing shared security challenges.

Rubio welcomed Qatar’s procurement of advanced military systems, including a $2 billion deal with General Atomics for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and a $1 billion agreement with Raytheon to strengthen counter-drone capabilities.

The two countries are linked by a Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in June 1992, and earlier in October 2025, Trump issued an executive order pledging to protect Qatar, including the use of military force if attacked, following an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha.

On the economic front, both nations highlighted the strength of their partnership, referring to agreements exceeding $240 billion reached during Trump’s May 2025 visit. Major contracts signed this year included a $96 billion deal between Qatar Airways and Boeing for 210 aircraft, supporting over 154,000 US jobs annually and more than one million in the coming years.

Regarding regional security, Doha and Washington reaffirmed support for stabilizing Syria, combating terrorism, and strengthening the Syrian economy. Shared strategic priorities discussed included Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Haiti.

Both sides emphasized their commitment to being a stabilizing force for peace and security and expressed anticipation for the next round of strategic dialogue, scheduled to take place in Doha in 2026.

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