US President Biden and Amir of Qatar reassure promoting security in the Gulf and middle-east - Qatar designated a major non-NATO ally of the US

US President Joe Biden and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani held a formal meeting on Monday at the White House where they reassured their mutual interest in promoting security and prosperity in the Gulf and broader Middle East region.

US President Biden also designated Qatar a major non-NATO ally, a largely symbolic honour for the oil-rich country.

Both sides ensured the stability of global energy supplies, supporting the people of Afghanistan, and strengthening commercial and investment cooperation as per a statement issued by the White House.

The President and the Emir welcomed the signing of a USD 20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group, which will support tens of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

In recognition of the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, which has deepened over the past 50 years, the President informed the Amir of his intention to designate Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally.

It is reported that the move could be helpful in Qatar’s bid to get US approval for a more than $500 million sale of MQ-Reaper drones. The request was made on 2020 when Donald Trump was in office.

Qatar had last year played a central role in support of the US military in evacuation from Afghanistan. Qatar also hosts the biggest US air base in the Middle East.

“We are very happy and proud of this great relationship. We will continue working together to find ways and means to bring peace in our region,” said Amir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, as per a release by White House.

(With inputs from agencies)