Qatar-US defence partnership on show

The strong presence of US exhibitors at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2022) is reflective of the deep and diverse Qatar-US defence partnership that spans decades, an official has said. The 7th edition of Dimdex began at Qatar National Convention Centre Monday.“On behalf of the US embassy in Doha, I am pleased to be here today at Dimdex 2022, which is being held for the first time since the pandemic began. I am certain you all are as happy as I am to be here — in-person — for this important defence engagement,” Michael Schreuder, acting deputy chief of the US mission, said in a statement.“I would like to congratulate Kallman Worldwidev— and all of the US exhibitors — for delivering a sold-out US pavilion. Your strong presence here at Dimdex is reflective of the deep and diverse Qatar-US defence partnership that spans decades,” Schreuder said. The closeness of US-Qatar relations was on full display last summer during the evacuation of Afghanistan, “when Qatar stepped up to help us evacuate tens of thousands of people”, the official noted. “Their support has been unwavering to this day, and the United States is very appreciative.”When His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was hosted by US President Joe Biden on January 31 at the White House, Qatar was designated as a Major Non-Nato Ally, he recalled. “This announcement both reaffirmed the special US-Qatar alliance and set the stage for continued strategic partnership for years to come.”Schreuder said: “This past Sunday, the US and Qatar marked our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It is fitting that Dimdex takes place on the heels of this important bilateral milestone.“I want to acknowledge our embassy’s commercial and military teams present here today, led by Megan Schildgen and Colonel Tim Dreifke, respectively,” he added.