Latest news with #QatarUSRelations
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar's Cabinet approves draft law on combating money laundering
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Amiri Diwan. At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet commended the outcomes of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's official talks with HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump during his visit to the State of Qatar on May 14-15. The Cabinet affirmed that, the historic visit, the extensive talks that took place within its framework, and the agreements, memoranda of understanding, and joint declaration of cooperation signed between the governments of the State of Qatar and the US, represent a milestone in the path of the strong strategic relations between the two countries and their distinguished investment partnership. It also constitutes a new impetus for the constructive cooperation existing between them in many fields, in a way that achieves the common interest of the two friendly countries and peoples, and promotes security, peace, and stability in the region and around the globe. The Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the 34th ordinary session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit Level, held on May 17 in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, with the participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The Cabinet expressed its hope that the summit's outcomes would contribute to strengthening Arab solidarity and joint action, particularly in light of the challenges facing the Arab nation, most notably the murder, starvation, siege, and plans to displace the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the guarantee of urgent humanitarian aid access to the territory. The Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda, as it approved a draft law amending some provisions of the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing issued by Law No. 20 of 2019, and referring the draft law to the Shura Council. The draft law was prepared with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC) to achieve its objectives and carry out its missions. The Cabinet also approved a draft Cabinet decision amending some provisions of the executive regulations of the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing issued by Cabinet decision No. 41 of 2019. The Cabinet approved the Minister of Labour's draft decision setting fees for work permits, worker recruitment, and certification of seals, certificates, and other documents. The draft decision was prepared with the aim of alleviating the financial burden on private sector companies and institutions by reducing fees and exempting some of them. The Cabinet decided to approve a draft Cabinet decision regarding the tax advantage associated with capital gains arising from restructuring within a single group. The draft decision, prepared by the General Tax Authority, aims to keep pace with the best international practices in the field of taxes, and contribute to economic and social development. The Cabinet also decided to approve a draft air services agreement between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Honduras. The Cabinet reviewed the Shura Council's proposals regarding regulating the procedures for domestic workers' departure from the country and took the appropriate decision in their regard. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
15-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
HISTORIC: Qatar, US sign $1.2 trillion economic exchange deals
Qatar and the US have signed an agreement to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion, the White House has announced. HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President Donald Trump witnessed the signing of an agreement and a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Wednesday. President Trump also announced economic deals totaling more than $243.5 billion between the US and Qatar, including an historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways. The landmark deals will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age, the White House said. The following are some of the deals secured in Qatar: * Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a landmark order from Qatar Airways, a $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. This is Boeing's largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order. This historic agreement will support 154,000 US jobs annually, totaling over 1 million jobs in the US during the course of production and delivery of this deal. * McDermott has a strong partnership with Qatar Energy in advancing critical energy infrastructure, with seven active projects worth $8.5 billion. As the sole provider of offshore components for Qatar's major LNG expansion, McDermott's work directly supports thousands of US energy sector jobs. * Parsons has successfully won 30 projects worth up to $97 billion. These high-value engagements have fueled significant company growth, supporting thousands of jobs across the United States and reinforcing American leadership in cutting-edge engineering and innovation. * Quantinuum finalised a joint venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, a prominent Qatari company. Qatar will invest up to $1 billion in state-of-the-art quantum technologies and workforce development provided by the joint venture, supporting US and Qatari jobs and leadership in this critical emerging technology. Today's signings mark President Trump's intent to accelerate Qatar's defence investment in the US-Qatar security partnership—enhancing regional deterrence and benefitting the US industrial base. The defence deals secured today lock in Qatar's procurement of state-of-the-art military equipment from two leading US defence companies. * Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar's acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, signed by the US and Qatari governments. This deal establishes Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon's Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) designed to counter unmanned aircraft. The deal directly supports high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in the United States and reinforces America's leadership in innovative defense technologies. * General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar's acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system, signed by the US and Qatari governments. This deal will strengthen the US-Qatar bilateral relationship and provide the Qatari Armed Forces with the most advanced multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft in the world, powered by U.S. products made in America. The US and Qatar also signed a statement of intent to further strengthen our security partnership, outlining over $38 billion in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defence capabilities related to air defense and maritime security. - TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Business
15-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Trump visit: Qatar, US sign major defence, commercial agreements
Image: Qatar News Agency Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday witnessed the signing of a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, reflecting deepening strategic ties between the two countries, The signing ceremony included a high-profile agreement for the purchase of aircraft from Boeing, a statement of intent for defense cooperation, a letter of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B drones, and another for the FS-LIDS anti-drone system. The two leaders also signed a joint declaration of cooperation between the governments of Qatar and the US. The ceremony was attended by Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other senior Qatari officials, while members of the official US delegation joined President Trump. Trump-Emir discuss regional developments Speaking after the ceremony, the Emir stated that the talks covered bilateral relations and key regional developments. 'The memorandums of understanding signed today will elevate our bilateral relations to a higher level,' he said, expressing gratitude to President Trump for his visit to Qatar. According to Qatar News Agency, President Trump described the discussions with the Emir as extensive and focused on international issues including the Ukraine crises, acknowledging Qatar's supportive role. He also highlighted future developments in commercial and defense cooperation, underlining his longstanding friendship with the Emir and expressing his desire to expand joint efforts. The agreements underscore the growing partnership between Qatar and the US in areas such as defence, investment, energy, and regional security. They are expected to reinforce Qatar's strategic capabilities while strengthening American ties in the Gulf region. Read:
The National
14-05-2025
- Business
- The National
US and Qatar sign major agreements during 'historic' Trump visit to Doha
Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip US President Donald Trump and Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, on Wednesday signed a number of agreements, including on aviation and defence co-operation. National flag carrier Qatar Airways placed an order for 160 aircraft worth more than $200 billion from US plane maker Boeing. Mr Trump said it was the largest order secured by the company. The two countries signed a range of defence agreements, including a letter of intent on defence co-operation and a deal for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles. The White House said the total 'economic exchange' could be worth at least $1.2 trillion. 'I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relationship between Qatar and the United States,' said Sheikh Tamim said. 'So I just wanted to thank you, Mr President, for this historic visit.' Doha is the second stop of Mr Trump's high-profile tour of the Gulf region. The US leader landed at Hamad International Airport, where he was greeted by Sheikh Tamim. He was then received at the Amiri Diwan, the royal court, with a grand ceremony and a traditional welcome. His motorcade was flanked by ceremonial riders on camels and a military band. Mr Trump is travelling with Marco Rubio, his Secretary of State and acting national security adviser, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Guests at a state dinner on Wednesday evening were greeted by Sheikh Tamim and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher. Mr Trump's motorcade drove him to Doha's Lusail Palace for the dinner. A private meeting between the Qatari and American leaders lasted more than two hours – longer than scheduled. Sheikh Tamim described the meeting as a 'great' discussion that covered a wide range of issues. Mr Trump called it a 'very interesting couple of hours', during which they discussed topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran and trade relations. Observers say the war in Gaza was also likely to have been part of the conversation. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and hostage envoy Adam Boehler met families of Israeli hostages at the Amiri Diwan, Al Jazeera reported. Earlier this week, Hamas released the US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, believed to be the last surviving American held by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. Since then, families of other captives have said hostages without US citizenship may now be at a disadvantage. Qatar, a key diplomatic player in the region, has taken a central role in Gaza ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian co-ordination. US-led negotiations for a deal to pause the war in Gaza are continuing. Sources told The National on Tuesday that talks were proceeding simultaneously in Egypt and Qatar, who, along with the US, have been mediating between Israel and Hamas since shortly after the war broke out in October 2023. The war erupted on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. Israel responded with a major military campaign in Gaza, where more than 52,900 Palestinians have since been killed, and much of the territory lies in ruins. Intensified attacks by Israel killed at least 70 people on Wednesday, local authorities said. Sheikh Tamim said Mr Trump's visit represented a chance to bring peace to the region. 'President Trump, I've known you for many years. I know that you are a man of peace,' he said at the Amiri Diwan. 'I know that you want to bring peace to this region. We hope that this time we can do the wise thing and bring peace.' Mr Trump told Sheikh Tamim: 'I want to thank you for everything and particularly our friendship. It's been a very loyal, beautiful friendship.' He also praised the warm reception and the setting. 'As a construction person, I'm seeing perfect marble,' he said. Mr Trump's Gulf tour began on Tuesday in Riyadh, where he was also received with full ceremonial honours by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit highlighted the close personal and political ties between the two leaders and was centred around deepening economic co-operation, bolstering regional diplomacy and enhancing defence ties. The US leader's Gulf visit has been dubbed a 'trillion-dollar tour', reflecting the enormous value of deals and memorandums of understanding being pursued across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. While Mr Trump is securing billions in investments and defence contracts, it is clear that he is also after high-stakes geopolitical wins – something that was on full display during his Saudi stop. In a major foreign policy shift, Mr Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, offering the country an opportunity for economic recovery and signalling a pivot in American Middle East policy. He also urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, though his call for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords was met with caution, largely due to Israel's war on Gaza. Without a ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state, establishing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains out of reach, despite Mr Trump's strong desire to broker such a breakthrough. Mr Trump is scheduled to conclude his tour with a visit to the UAE, where further economic and security talks are on the agenda.
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Qatar, US sign key agreements during Trump's visit to Doha
DOHA: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and US President Donald Trump oversaw the signing of several major agreements and memorandums of understanding on Wednesday during a state visit to Doha, Qatar News Agency reported. The leaders witnessed the signing of a joint declaration of cooperation between the two governments, as well as agreements including a Boeing aircraft purchase, a statement of intent on defense cooperation, and letters of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B drones and the FS-LIDS anti-drone system, QNA added. During official talks, the emir praised the historic nature of the visit and the two leaders discussed strengthening ties in defense, investment, energy, education and cybersecurity. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and security. Sheikh Tamim and Trump also touched on preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, which will be hosted in the US. President Trump thanked the emir for Qatar's warm hospitality and described Sheikh Tamim as a longtime friend and trusted partner. He voiced optimism about expanding cooperation and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Senior Qatari ministers and US cabinet officials, including the secretaries of state, defense, treasury, commerce and energy, also attended the talks and signing ceremony.
