Doha, September 28 (QNA) - Official spokesman for the US Department of State Michael Mitchell affirmed that the State of Qatar is an important strategic partner for the United States in regional de-escalation efforts, especially in light of the escalating crises in the region, most notably the war in Gaza.
In an interview with Al-Sharq newspaper published today, Mitchell said the partnership between Washington and Doha is based on trust and shared interests with the aim to achieve stability, strengthen diplomatic channels, and combat terrorism. He also praised the advanced level of coordination between the two countries.
He added that US President Donald Trump's visit to Doha last May, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visits and meetings with the Qatari leadership in Doha, all clearly convey the depth of this cooperation. He said that Qatar is a reliable partner in efforts to de-escalate and create conditions for realistic political solutions, and that this is a comprehensive cooperation that is not limited to a specific issue, but rather a strategic partnership that the US views as solid and growing.
The official spokesman said security and defense cooperation between the United States and Qatar has existed for decades and is a cornerstone of regional stability. He referred to Al Udeid Air Base as a prominent example of this, serving as a key center for military coordination and joint operations. This cooperation is continually reviewed to meet new challenges, whether in the field of counterterrorism or regional defense.
He added the US is committed to expanding cooperation with the State of Qatar in the economic, diplomatic, and cultural fields, because the bilateral relationship is not limited to security alone, but rather is a comprehensive partnership that reflects mutual respect and shared interests.
Mitchell also praised the State of Qatar's contributions to efforts aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip by advancing hostage release negotiations and creating conditions for a sustainable peace. He said any mediation is measured by its ability to achieve the immediate release of all hostages, ensure the flow of aid to civilians, and lay the foundations for preventing a return to violence, and that from this standpoint, the US sees Qatar as having an important role within the network of partners working to achieve these goals.
Regarding ending the war in Ukraine, Mitchell explained that the United States is working to end this war through a combination of active diplomacy with partners and mobilizing international positions to end it, which has continued for a very long time. He added that the US is pushing for a credible negotiating process, and that coordination is underway with the Europeans to limit the sources of funding for the war machine, while keeping all legitimate pressure tools under consideration in service of a single goal: to stop the fighting and reach a settlement that ends this war and restores European stability. (QNA)