Qatar, US affirm defense, security partnership during strategic dialogue

By Hussien Elkabany and Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – Qatar and the US said Saturday that they discussed several defense and economic files during a recent round of strategic dialogue, reaffirming the defense and security partnership between the two countries.

A joint statement cited by the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the Seventh Qatar-United States Strategic Dialogue was held on Dec. 17 in Washington, and attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to the statement, the two countries reaffirmed their defense and security partnership as outlined in the Sept. 29 executive order assuring Qatar’s security.

The partnership includes, according to the joint statement, “significant military infrastructure upgrades at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, advancing air and maritime security, and increasing NATO interoperability through joint training and operational initiatives.”

Both sides confirmed their commitment to the statement of intent signed during President Donald Trump’s visit to Doha in May, which includes potential investments exceeding $38 billion, including burden-sharing support at Al-Udeid Base and developing future defense capabilities.

The two parties also discussed establishing the first bilateral joint air defense command center, according to the statement.

The US side reaffirmed its commitment to “Qatar’s security and territorial integrity, while Qatar underscored the value of continued cooperation in addressing shared security challenges,” the statement said.

Rubio welcomed Qatar’s acquisition of advanced military equipment, including a $2 billion deal with General Atomics for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and another $1 billion agreement with Raytheon to enhance counter-drone capabilities, according to the statement.

Qatar and the US are linked by a Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in June 1992.

In early October 2025, Trump signed an executive order pledging to guarantee Qatar’s security, including the use of military force if it is attacked, following an Israeli airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha.

On Oct. 25, Trump praised Qatar as a “great ally,” confirming that it plays a major role in Middle East peace.

- Economic cooperation

On the economic front, both countries affirmed the strength of their economic partnership and referred to economic agreements exceeding $240 billion secured during Trump’s visit to Qatar in May 2025.

Agreements signed this year between the two sides included several major contracts, including a $96 billion agreement between Qatar Airways and Boeing to purchase 210 aircraft of the 787 Dreamliner and 777X models equipped with GE Aerospace engines, supporting more than 154,000 US jobs annually and more than one million jobs in the coming years.

Regarding broader Middle East security, Doha and Washington affirmed their support for efforts to stabilize Syria, combat terrorism, and strengthen the Syrian economy.

Officials from both countries discussed shared strategic priorities, including Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Haiti, the statement said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership as a force supporting peace and stability and their shared commitment to addressing regional and global threats.

They also expressed their anticipation for holding the next round of strategic dialogue in Doha in 2026.