President Biden met with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, at the White House on Monday and told him he’s strengthening the U.S. alliance with the kingdom as the West faces a potential energy crisis if Russia invades Ukraine and cuts off gas supply to Europe.
“Qatar is a good friend and reliable partner,” Biden said. “And I’m notifying Congress that I will designate Qatar as a major non-NATO ally to reflect the importance of the importance of our relationship.”
During an appearance with the emir in the Oval Office, Biden expressed gratitude to the leader of the oil-rich country for its recent assistance with many interests vital to the United States, such as maintaining stability in Gaza and helping to evacuate tens of thousands of helpers and U.S. citizens from Afghanistan amid the U.S. military withdrawal last summer.
