Doha, US City of Charleston Sign Declaration of Understanding

Doha, US City of Charleston Sign Declaration of Understanding

Washington – Information Office – 03 February

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani paid an official visit to the city of Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States of America. The aim of the visit was to enhance cooperation and common interests.

During the visit, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister witnessed the signing of a declaration of understanding between the City of Charleston and the City of Doha, under which the two cities will promote joint relations in the economic and cultural development domains.

The agreement aims to explore new areas of economic development and new trade opportunities in both public and private sectors, and support the exchange of experiences in planning, construction, health, education and environmental issues such as waste recycling and cooperation in greening and beautification as well as projects between the two cities, in addition to supporting exchanges of visits between officials and citizens to explore new areas of interest.

The declaration was signed by HE Qatar's Ambassador to the United States of America Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Mayor of Charleston John Tecklenburg.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said this week witnessed the launch of a historic strategic dialogue between the US and Qatar aimed at highlighting the opportunities that benefit the peoples of the two countries, which are at the heart of our long and solid relationship. "Despite the thousands of miles between us, South Carolina shares many similarities with the State of Qatar, but more importantly, we invest in human capital and create jobs that will benefit the American and Qatari people, and this what pushes the political and economical commitment that I am happy that I'm involved in strengthening it."

"As one of the oldest and most important ports on the east coast of the United States, Charleston has long cherished its international relations," said Tecklenburg. "With this declaration, we announce our intention to forge deeper and stronger relationships with the people of Doha-Qatar and we look forward to the future which our two cities will share."

HE the Governor of South Carolina Henry McMaster hosted a dinner in honor of the delegation of the State of Qatar attended by a number of business and community leaders. HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held a roundtable with a number of senior politicians and business leaders from the state to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.

His Excellency also toured the headquarters of Boeing. During the tour, he was accompanied by CEO of Qatar Airways Group Akbar Al Baker, and HE the CEO of Qatar Investment Authority Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani.

Prior to the visit, the State of Qatar and the United States of America held the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue.