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Courtesy of U.S. Embassy
of Qatar
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| Chase Untermeyer,
U.S. Ambassador |
Qatar is one of the most important allies in the
world for the United States. Strategically located
in the Middle East with a rapidly modernizing landscape,
vast hydrocarbon reserves, and a sophisticated,
forward-looking ruling family, Qatar is not just
any oil-rich Gulf state. International Reports talked
with His Excellency Chase Untermeyer, United States
Ambassador to Qatar, about the US-Qatari relationship,
Qatar’s current business climate, and about
the future.
Why
is the US-Qatar relationship important?
A combination of common interests- economic, military,
strategic, and social- bind our two countries. Qatar
and the United States are partners in the war on
terrorism and partners in bringing democracy and
social reform to the Middle East. Success in these
efforts requires mutual security. That is why we
are grateful to Qatar for hosting US and allied
forces at two of its military facilities here, in
particular the Al Udeid Air Base.
Our countries have become
closer allies in the past 10 years. How do you see
our relationship evolving in the next 10 years?
We expect to see the US-Qatar relationship expand
as our two countries jointly address a broader array
of social and political issues. Also, we expect
to see the relationship deepen as links between
Qataris and Americans grow among businesses, schools,
private groups, and individuals. We have differences
from time to time, as friends will. But the overall
direction of our relationship is moving forward
together.
All
of the educational, political, and cultural reforms/advances
taking place in Qatar are impressive.What are your
thoughts on these?
Although Qatar is quite rich, it does not spend
its money wildly. It studies the experiences, good
and bad, of neighboring countries and adopts policies
for itself accordingly. This accounts for a very
high success rate in whatever Qatar tries. Qatar
is unafraid to lead, particularly in the realm of
education. From chartering independent schools to
importing American universities to Doha’s Education
City, Qatar is setting the mark for the whole region.
Qatar is also willing to act boldly in changing
its society, especially the role of and opportunities
for women.
In
the future, do you view Qatar as a positive example
for other Gulf states?
Most definitely, and not just for the Gulf but for
the entire Arab-Muslim world.
What
is Qatar’s current business climate? Why should
Amercian businesses consider Qatar for investment?
With the third-largest reserves of natural gas on
earth and one of the world’s fastest growing
economies, Qatar is an excellent place for US investment.
American energy and construction companies have
already signed multi-billion-dollar contracts with
Qatar. During my tenure as ambassador, I shall pursue
a free trade agreement between the US and Qatar,
which would facilitate further US investment here.
Currently,
there is a growing number of American expats in
Qatar. What brings them here: Is it private-sector
jobs in the hydrocarbon industry, business investment,
military deployments, Education City, etc.?
Yes, all of these. American families like living
here. Some who have lived in Singapore- the gold
standard of expat life- have told me they like Qatar
more. This is because of the friendly Qatari people,
an excellent school (the American School of Doha),
and a comfortable lifestyle, notwithstanding fearsome
summer temperatures!
How do you view your role
as US ambassador: Are you mainly an advocate for
our country?
Every American ambassador around the world represents
our country and the President personally. I do advocate
for American interests and policies, and I actively
pursue an ever-closer relationship between Qatar
and the United States, which for the reasons I’ve
already mentioned is in both nations’ interest.
Qatar is one of the most important allies in the
world for the United States. Strategically located
in the Middle East with a rapidly modernizing landscape,
vast hydrocarbon reserves, and a sophisticated,
forward-looking ruling family, Qatar is not just
any oil-rich Gulf state. International Reports talked
with His Excellency Chase Untermeyer, United States
Ambassador to Qatar, about the US-Qatari relationship,
Qatar’s current business climate, and about
the future.
Why is the US-Qatar relationship
important?
A combination of common interests- economic, military,
strategic, and social- bind our two countries. Qatar
and the United States are partners in the war on
terrorism and partners in bringing democracy and
social reform to the Middle East. Success in these
efforts requires mutual security. That is why we
are grateful to Qatar for hosting US and allied
forces at two of its military facilities here, in
particular the Al Udeid Air Base.
Our countries have become
closer allies in the past 10 years. How do you see
our relationship evolving in the next 10 years?
We expect to see the US-Qatar relationship expand
as our two countries jointly address a broader array
of social and political issues. Also, we expect
to see the relationship deepen as links between
Qataris and Americans grow among businesses, schools,
private groups, and individuals. We have differences
from time to time, as friends will. But the overall
direction of our relationship is moving forward
together.
All of the educational, political,
and cultural reforms/advances taking place in Qatar
are impressive. What are your thoughts on these?
Although Qatar is quite rich, it does not spend
its money wildly. It studies the experiences, good
and bad, of neighboring countries and adopts policies
for itself accordingly. This accounts for a very
high success rate in whatever Qatar tries. Qatar
is unafraid to lead, particularly in the realm of
education. From chartering independent schools to
importing American universities to Doha’s Education
City, Qatar is setting the mark for the whole region.
Qatar is also willing to act boldly in changing
its society, especially the role of and opportunities
for women.
In the future, do you view
Qatar as a positive example for other Gulf states?
Most definitely, and not just for the Gulf but for
the entire Arab-Muslim world.
What is Qatar’s current
business climate? Why should Amercian businesses
consider Qatar for investment?
With the third-largest reserves of natural gas on
earth and one of the world’s fastest growing
economies, Qatar is an excellent place for US investment.
American energy and construction companies have
already signed multi-billion-dollar contracts with
Qatar. During my tenure as ambassador, I shall pursue
a free trade agreement between the US and Qatar,
which would facilitate further US investment here.
Currently, there is a growing
number of American expats in Qatar. What brings
them here: Is it private-sector jobs in the hydrocarbon
industry, business investment, military deployments,
Education City, etc.?
Yes, all of these. American families like living
here. Some who have lived in Singapore- the gold
standard of expat life- have told me they like Qatar
more. This is because of the friendly Qatari people,
an excellent school (the American School of Doha),
and a comfortable lifestyle, notwithstanding fearsome
summer temperatures!
How do you view your role
as US ambassador: Are you mainly an advocate for
our country?
Every American ambassador around the world represents
our country and the President personally. I do advocate
for American interests and policies, and I actively
pursue an ever-closer relationship between Qatar
and the United States, which for the reasons I’ve
already mentioned is in both nations’ interest.
|
Qatar
