U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Qatar Nov. 21 to launch the fifth annual U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, during which time he will be meeting with the country’s foreign minister and deputy prime minister.
Blinken said he would be watching the U.S. Men’s National Team in its first game of the World Cup in recognition of Qatar's international sports diplomacy as it becomes the first Middle Eastern country to host the event, according to a Nov. 20 news release. The U.S. and Qatar have reportedly "enjoyed a close partnership" for more than 50 years.
“This is a historic World Cup, as it is the first held in the Middle East. Excited to see the cultural bridges that sports can build. Good luck to all — I’ll be rooting for our U.S. Men’s National Team!” Blinken said in a post on Twitter.
Daniel Benaim, deputy assistant secretary for the Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the State Department, said U.S.-Qatar ties continue to grow. He said the nation is an important, steadfast partner to the U.S., according to AP News. Qatar hosts approximately 8,000 American troops at the Al-Udeid Air Base. The base was a key area of control during America's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
“Together, we’ve made important progress on a range of issues, including facilitating the travel of at-risk Afghans to the United States for new beginnings, strengthening regional security and expanding commercial investment ties between our countries,” Benaim said in the AP News report.
Blinken, delivering his remarks at a sports diplomacy event soon after arriving in Qatar, thanked colleagues at the Qatar Foundation, the Ministry of Sports and Generation Amazing for their efforts in the region, making it possible for Qatar to host this year's World Cup. He acknowledged that began long before the World Cup, according to a State Department news release. A “lifelong lover of football” and self-proclaimed “mediocre” player, he planned to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team against Wales.
