US-Qatar ties have gone beyond traditional alliances: Timmy Davis
Hanane Djoua
Doha
US Ambassador to Qatar HE Timmy Davis has emphasised that US-Qatar ties have now gone far beyond traditional alliances.
'This relationship is mature. We're not just partners — we're close friends. And that gives us the power to do something rare: to act together for good,' said the outgoing US ambassador during his farewell briefing on Wednesday.
With heartfelt words, moments of reflection, and no shortage of gratitude, Davis delivered his final remarks in Qatar — a country that, over the last three years, he said, has come to feel like home.
'I am the luckiest ambassador in the world,' the US envoy told journalists.
'We've seen the highs and lows of this region together — from the triumph of the World Cup to the tragedy in Gaza. But through it all, Qatar has stood tall, and our partnership has grown stronger.'
Much of his speech centered on the ongoing war in Gaza, and Qatar's critical role in mediation efforts.
'We are working to reach a ceasefire, to ease the suffering, and to bring peace to both sides. And we are doing it — as always — with Qatar,' he added.
The US ambassador shared one of his most memorable moments: standing on the tarmac as American detainees returned from Iran — a release made possible by Qatar's mediation.
'One of the men came off the plane, walked up to me, and asked, 'Are you the US ambassador?' I said yes. He replied, 'Can I give you a hug?''
It was, he said, a defining moment. 'That hug reminded me that this relationship is not just about diplomacy or trade. It's about real people. It's about changing lives together.'
Davis urged both nations to move beyond reacting to crises and begin working to prevent them.
'There's space in this world for two good friends like the US and Qatar to look ahead — to spot problems before they spiral, and to use our shared expertise and values to stop them in their tracks.'
He spoke with admiration about Qatar's humanitarian work through the Qatar Fund for Development, calling it 'utterly impressive,' and said the US should deepen coordination in that space.
While his message was filled with optimism, Davis didn't hide how hard it was to say goodbye. 'Qatar has begun to feel like home,' he said
He offered sincere advice to his yet-to-be-named successor: 'Go to weddings. Attend funerals. Be present in moments that matter. Be proud of representing the US, but always remember that the job is to make this relationship meaningful for both sides.'
Davis also took time to thank the journalists present — and the local press corps at large — for their integrity and professionalism.
'You've done your jobs with enthusiasm for truth and perspective,' he said. 'I've watched you ask tough questions. You've made space for transparency and accountability. Any one of you could walk into Northwestern University in Education City — one of the best journalism schools in the US — and teach a class on what journalism should be.'
From the rise of AI and data centers to entrepreneurship and the mobility of the labour market, Davis said the press can be the guiding force that shows people 'the ember that could become a flame.'
'There are young people out there with dreams — dreams they may not yet believe are possible. The media can help them believe.'
Davis called the recent visit of US President Donald Trump to Qatar 'an utter success,' not only because of the $243 billion in agreements signed, but because of the long-term vision: a possible $1.2 trillion in bilateral trade over the next decade.
'This isn't just about numbers,' he said. 'It's about shared prosperity, shared security, and shared purpose.'
As his time in Doha came to a close, Davis was reflective but hopeful. 'It's so hard to pick just one moment that stands out,' he said. 'Because every step of the way, we were building something meaningful.'
His parting message wasn't just to diplomats or government officials — but to all who call Qatar home. 'We've built something special. Now it's someone else's turn to carry the baton. But I hope this isn't goodbye — just the beginning of a new chapter.'
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