The fourth US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue led to both sides discussing to several economic, commercial, regional, and humanitarian issues.
In a joint statement, they said they discussed opportunities to increase two-way investment and advance economic relations in the fields of innovation, technology, and clean energy.
According to the US Census Bureau, the countries imports from Qatar from January to September this year stood at $1.36 billion, while its export to the Middle Eastern country for the same period was $1.56 billion.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also explored programs to support women’s economic empowerment and support for young entrepreneurs.
On the labor and human rights front, the two sides discussed professional training and exchange for Qatari authorities in 2022. They also welcomed one another’s election to the UN Human Rights Council.
This part was especially important, given allegations against Qatar regarding the use of laborers to build stadiums for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
On that topic, the two sides committed to expanding close interagency cooperation to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
After all, the tournament may help Qatar sustain its growth trajectory, which in turn could help the country recover stronger after the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the statement, the United States welcomed the opportunity to consult with Qatar on the issue, because the 2026 Fifa Men’s World Cup will be held in North America.
Qatar hopes to host around 1.2 million visitors for the tournament next year, and the US could benefit greatly from observing how Qatar deals with this logistical challenge.
The statement said the United States also underlined Qatar’s commitment in providing $75 million over five years and implementation of efforts to back the work of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.
The two sides also agreed to work across the region to promote energy access and support clean energy transition as part of strengthening bilateral climate action.
Even as the COP26 climate conference was getting underway, Qatar pledged to cut 25 percent of its emissions by 2030.
At the meeting, the US side also highlighted Qatar’s collaboration with UN agencies in the form of a $500-million multi-year assistance pledge to aid forcibly displaced populations and refugees.
Blinken is also said to have thanked Qatar for its “generous” contributions to fight Covid-19 inside the United States.