2nd Qatar-US dialogue underlines keenness to enhance bilateral ties

*MoU signed to support defence activities at Al Udeid Air Base*3 agreements signed in the fields of education and culture *Sheikh Mohamed, Pompeo discuss issues related to the region and GCC, Middle East peace process , reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Syrian crisis and combating terrorism *Qatar is a great friend of United States: Pompeo

Qatar and the United States have reiterated the depth and importance of their strategic bilateral relations and their keenness to develop co-operation to wider horizons to serve the mutual benefits of both sides.

They affirmed the importance of the second round of Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue in Doha, which reflects the historic relations between the two countries and contributes to developing co-operation in all fields.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said in a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Qatar's partnership with the US is strong and is based on solid foundations and built on mutual understanding and common interests.

During the press conference, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the US Secretary of State on his first visit to Doha to participate in the Strategic Dialogue.

HE Sheikh Mohamed said the Strategic Dialogue included seven sessions covering the economic, commercial, cultural, education, political, defence and sports relations between the two countries.

He said three agreements were signed in the framework of the Strategic Dialogue on Sunday in the fields of education and culture, as well as a memorandum of understanding on supporting defence activities at Al Udeid Air Base.

HE Sheikh Mohamed expressed the hope that Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue has tangible results, and for the relations to see a qualitative leap.

He said during his meeting with the US Secretary of State they discussed all issues of interest to both countries, especially those related to the region and its security starting with the GCC, the peace process in the Middle East, the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and other issues such as the Syrian crisis and combating terrorism.

"Qatar looks forward to a new and stronger phase of bilateral relations, and to continue co-ordination on all issues of mutual concern," he said.

Referring to his country's mediation work, the Foreign Minister said Qatar is continuing with the implementation of the Doha Peace Agreement in the Darfur region of Sudan. In addition, Qatar is working with the US to achieve peace in Afghanistan, as well as the ongoing consultations with the US, alliances and friends from other countries on a number of issues related to Syria and the Middle East peace process.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that diplomacy was the best way to resolve crises and both Qatar and the US agreed on it.

Pompeo said Qatar is a great friend of the United States and expressed appreciation for the relations between the two countries.

Referring to what US President Donald Trump said when he hosted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the White House last year, he said: "There are special things that are happening in the bilateral relations between the two countries including co-operation in combating terrorism, and illegal trafficking in persons, as well as cybersecurity and other areas."

He pointed out that the agreements signed on Sunday will deepen bilateral relations, noting that the focus was first and foremost on security and defence partnership. On the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expanding the US presence at Al Udeid Air Base, which was discussed last year, he stressed the importance of the base as an important key to the US defence establishment.

Pompeo commended Qatar's commitment to improving and modernising Al Udeid Base while praising Qatar's contribution as a member of the coalition to defeat ISIS.

He also referred to the memorandum signed between Qatar and the US in the field of combating terrorism and its financing, as the US-Qatar efforts helped in better targeting of the financing of terrorism.

He pointed out that besides security and defence issues, he discussed trade, investment and Qatari efforts in promoting transparency and protection of foreign workers.

On the Ministerial Meeting to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East to be held in Warsaw, the US Secretary of State said this conference will work to provide security for this region and the world by discussing many things, stressing that the coalition that continues to fight ISIS around the world will be part of it. Countries from Asia, Africa, and all across the world will participate in the conference, he said, pointing out that it would work on many issues, including how to get Iran to behave properly, as well as discussing other important issues.