The United States (US) has officially designated Qatar as a key non-NATO ally, a decision that strengthens Doha’s alliance with Washington and grants Qatar exceptional economic and military benefits.
On Thursday afternoon, US President Joe Biden signed a presidential proclamation formally declaring the move, weeks after making a vow at the White House to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in late January.
At the time, Biden stated that designating Qatar as a key non-NATO ally of the US purpose “to reflect the importance of our relationship; I think it’s long overdue”.
After Kuwait and Bahrain, Qatar has become the third Gulf country to become a key non-NATO ally of the US.
According to the US State Department’s website, the designation “is a powerful symbol of the close relationship the United States shares with those countries and demonstrates our deep respect for the friendship for the countries to which it is extended”.
