[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   50TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-QATAR DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, MAY 24, 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2022

  Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a co-chair of the 
Congressional Caucus on Qatar, it is with great pleasure that I 
congratulate both the United States and Qatar on the strong and deep-
rooted relationship that has developed since the two countries 
established diplomatic relations fifty years ago.
  The bond between our two countries has never been stronger, thanks to 
our enduring partnership to address regional and global challenges. 
Bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar on trade, investment, 
climate change, education, humanitarian assistance, cultural exchanges 
and security collaboration have been expanded in recent years.
  This was underscored at the White House earlier this year when 
President Joe Biden hosted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad 
al-Thani. In his welcoming remarks on January 31, 2022, President Biden 
declared: ``Qatar is a good friend, and a reliable and capable 
partner.''
  He reflected on the ``fifty years of partnership.'' Specifically, he 
said, ``this past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to 
many of our most vital interests: relocating tens of thousands of 
Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving 
assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring 
threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.''
  Our countries worked hand-in-hand on many vital priorities, such as 
the evacuating vulnerable Afghans under Taliban rule. The Qataris 
played a role that can never be forgotten, by helping to evacuate and 
process thousands of Afghans to Al Udeid Air Base. Additionally, in May 
of last year, the Qataris played a crucial role in negotiating a 
ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. We all must acknowledge the critical 
role Qatar plays in stabilizing the world and saving countless lives.
  As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, 
I was very encouraged to see both President Biden and the Amir welcome 
the signing of a $20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways. 
This is one of the largest deals that Boeing aircraft has ever had. It 
will support manufacturing jobs at Boeing, General Electric and 
hundreds of other suppliers across the U.S. and in Qatar.
  The highlight of our partnership is the designation of Qatar as a 
Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Since Qatar already is home to the Al Udeid 
base, which is the largest in the region, and the CENTCOM regional 
headquarters, the new designation serves to reinforce the existing 
security partnership between our two countries.
  It is important to note that the U.S.-Qatar relationship encompasses 
far more than strategic cooperation. Our two nations have developed 
cultural partnerships designed to promote intellectual and 
intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between our countries.
  In addition, there are student exchanges from both nations, so that 
American students are able to study in Qatar, while Qatari students are 
welcomed in the United States.
  Economic ties between Qatar and the U.S. have flourished over the 
last 50 years. The U.S. is Qatar's largest foreign direct investor and 
second largest source of imports while Qatar also has invested billions 
of dollars in the U.S. leading to the creation of thousands of jobs in 
this country.
  The year marking the fiftieth anniversary of U.S. relations with 
Qatar began with the meeting between President Biden and Amir al-Thani. 
It will end on another particularly eventful occasion when Qatar hosts 
the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It is an incredible accomplishment that an 
event of such international significance will be held in Qatar.
  I am proud to continue working with our Qatari allies in 
strengthening a lasting relationship that benefits both the America 
people and our Qatari friends across the world. Congratulations to us 
both.

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