The State of Qatar Embassy in Washington hosted the National Day of the State in the Library of Congress, attended by more than 1000 guests to express congratulations to Qatar.
His Excellency the ambassador of the state of Qatar to the United states Shiekh Meshal bi Hamad Al Thani, emphasized in his speech that this celebration comes as a special occasion to Qataris to express pride to their country’s rich culture, traditions and heritage.
"This is an opportunity to celebrate the solid bonds of friendship and cooperation that link the State of Qatar and the United States,” he added.
He also said "we have come a long way since our countries established their diplomatic relations 46 years ago. Over the past two decades, the relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America have been strengthened at all levels."
“Qatar and the US enjoy strong partnerships in multiple areas of cooperation particularly on cultural, political, defense, counterterrorism, and trade and investment,” he said.
In regards to the economic partnership, his Excellency announced that the Qatar Investment Authority has committed to investing $45 billion in the American economy by 2020, in key sectors such as infrastructure, technologies and real estate. Last June, Qatar Petroleum announced its plan to invest $20 billion in America’s oil and gas fields, over a five-year period.
His excellency concluded his speech by renewing the Qatar government’s commitment “to work hand in hand with the US administration to further strengthen our strategic partnership and deepen understanding and mutual respect between our peoples”.
Speaker of the House of the Representatives Nancy Pelosi thanked his Excellency Sheikh Mish'al Bin Hamad Al-Thani on his leadership role to strengthen the partnership between the United States and the State of Qatar.
Congresswoman Pelosi reaffirmed the importance of the relationship between the two countries, and the efforts of American diplomats and soldiers to provide stability in the region. Pelosi thanked Qatar for hosting US troops in its territory.
Congressman Scott Taylor also praised the efforts that have led to strengthening and increasing the partnership between the two countries in terms of security, cultural and economic cooperation.
Member of the House of Representatives Ruben Gallego emphasized the importance of the State of Qatar as an important and independent partner with the United States, and stressed the need to further strengthen this strong relationship in the future in terms of its constant support through the Al Udeid Air Base, or through continued economic cooperation.
He emphasized that “the partnership with the State of Qatar is fundamental and really important in terms of the benefits that this partnership has achieved and what it can achieve over the coming years”.