The US has designated 18 countries as major non-NATO allies. Unlike a NATO ally, the designation does not entail a defense commitment. It enables a country to access military and financial advantages<\/p>\n
At a joint press appearance with the Qatari leader, Biden said, \u201cThis past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests \u2014 relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Biden indicated that the US and Qatar had shared interests in \u201censuring the stability of global energy supplies\u201d. The US is relying on Qatar, among others, to step in with the supply of natural gas if a conflict breaks out with Russia, jeopardizing Russian gas supplies to Europe.<\/p>\n
The US president also spoke of the commercial and investment ties between the two countries, applauding a $20-plus billion order that Qatar Airways placed with Boeing on Monday.<\/p>\n
The US has designated 18 countries, including Pakistan, as major non-NATO allies. Unlike a NATO ally, whose defense becomes the collective responsibility of the alliance, the designation does not entail a defense commitment \u2014 but it enables a country to access military and financial advantages.<\/p>\n
Biden called Qatar\u2019s inclusion as a major non-NATO ally \u201clong overdue\u201d. He subsequently sent a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate, stating, \u201cI am making this designation in recognition of Qatar\u2019s many years of contributions to US-led efforts in the US Central Command area of responsibility and in recognition of our own national interest in deepening bilateral defense and security cooperation with the state of Qatar.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a recent briefing, a senior administration official had said that the US was \u201cincredibly grateful\u201d to Qatar for its help on Afghanistan \u2014 including for serving as the primary transit point for 60,000 evacuees from Afghanistan and joining the US and the international community in conveying to the Taliban the need for an inclusive government and respect for human rights.<\/p>\n
Qatar played a key role in the negotiations between the US and Taliban, though contrary to the terms of the peace process signed in Doha, the Afghan government collapsed, there was chaotic withdrawal of American troops, and the Taliban assumed absolute power after running through the country in a violent offensive last year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The US has designated 18 countries as major non-NATO allies. Unlike a NATO ally, the designation does not entail a defense commitment. It enables a country to access military and financial advantages At a joint press appearance with the Qatari leader, Biden said, \u201cThis past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many<\/p>\n