Doha, January 12 (QNA) - The State of Qatar and the United States of America today signed the "Pax Silica" Declaration, marking a strategic step to enhance bilateral cooperation in advanced technologies and supply chain security, while supporting global economic stability and security. The declaration reinforces the partnership between the two countries and contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable global economic ecosystem.

The declaration was signed on behalf of Qatar by HE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed and on behalf of the United States by HE US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg. The signing reflects the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening secure and reliable technology supply chains, safeguarding critical resources, and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of global supply networks.

Qatar's accession to the Pax Silica initiative aligns with its national priorities to consolidate its position as a regional and international hub for advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, while supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which aims to foster a competitive and sustainable digital economy.

The declaration represents a qualitative addition to the trajectory of Qatar-US relations, underscoring Qatar's growing role as a trusted partner in global advanced-technology alliances and an active contributor to a more stable and sustainable economic and technological landscape.

Through its participation in the initiative, Qatar will expand its international partnerships in semiconductors, advanced computing, cybersecurity, and digital technologies, thereby enhancing its technological capabilities and supporting economic diversification.

In remarks at the signing ceremony, HE Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed described the declaration as a new milestone in the Qatar-US partnership, founded on trust, shared interests, and a unified vision for advancing stability and prosperity. He noted that Qatar takes pride in its role within leading international partnerships dedicated to strengthening secure and reliable supply chains in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.

He added that the world is undergoing a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence, rising demand for energy and critical minerals, and rapid technological advancement, stressing that success in this new phase requires close cooperation to reinforce technological ecosystems and deepen partnerships based on trust and shared responsibility.

Dr. Al Sayed emphasized that Qatar is investing in the foundations of the future digital economy, including digital infrastructure, advanced industries, and research and innovation ecosystems. He highlighted that cloud computing centers launched by US companies have contributed significantly to positioning Qatar as one of the most advanced digital hubs in the region.

He further noted that Qatar has launched the Qatar AI Initiative (QAI) as a national platform to promote innovation, expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, and ensure alignment of advanced technologies with the highest standards of safety, governance, and technological security. He added that Doha's rapidly evolving skyline stands as a testament to Qatar's accelerated development and readiness to play an influential role in shaping the future of the global digital economy.

Dr. Al Sayed affirmed that the Pax Silica Declaration opens new horizons for cooperation between the two countries in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and secure supply chains. It also supports Qatar's transition toward an innovation-driven economy, enhances the resilience of US supply chains, expands opportunities for joint research and technological development, strengthens public-private sector collaboration, and supports the growth of US companies operating in Qatar and across the region.

He concluded by emphasizing the shared aspiration of Qatar and the United States to contribute to building a secure and resilient technological future and to translate this common vision into tangible and practical outcomes.

For his part, For his part, HE US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg welcomed Qatar's accession to the Pax Silica Declaration, describing the occasion as a pivotal moment for US-Qatar relations and for the global economy as a whole.

He stated that the initiative reflects a fundamental shift as the region transitions from an oil-based system to one centered on technological innovation and "silicon diplomacy," noting that while the 20th century was driven by oil and steel, the 21st century is being shaped by computing power and critical minerals.

Helberg explained that under this cooperation, the United States and Qatar will work together on strategic investments, including critical minerals security initiatives and the modernization of global logistics infrastructure, in addition to strengthening partnerships in artificial intelligence and expanding data-center capacities to support future economic growth.

He added that Qatar's participation in this economic security alliance underscores the region's readiness to play a central role in shaping the future, noting that the alliance is defined by capabilities rather than traditional alignments, bringing together countries with the resources and strategic vision to secure a shared technological future. He also highlighted Qatar's transformation from a traditional energy supplier into a hub for computing and connectivity.

In closing, HE Helberg extended an invitation to Qatar to attend an upcoming ministerial meeting in Washington, D.C., focused on critical minerals, stating: "Welcome to the alliance. Let us build together the operating system for the 21st century."

Pax Silica is an international initiative led by the US Department of State and prioritized during 2024-2025. It aims to enhance the security and integrity of advanced-technology supply chains associated with the artificial intelligence era, in partnership with countries across Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The initiative seeks to support innovation, protect critical technologies, and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of global supply chains.

Separately, HE Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed met with HE Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black.

The meeting reviewed existing areas of cooperation between Qatar and the United States and explored ways to strengthen commercial and investment partnerships, expand joint investment opportunities, and enhance institutional coordination in support of shared interests and deeper economic cooperation between the two countries. (QNA)