World > Middle East > Qatar > Relations with U.S. (Notes)

Qatar - Relations with U.S. (Notes)

U.S.-QATARI RELATIONS Bilateral relations are strong and expanding. The U.S. embassy was opened in March 1973. The first resident U.S. ambassador arrived in July 1974. Ties between the U.S. and Qatar are excellent. Amir Hamad last visited Washington in 2004, and President Bush visited Qatar in 2003. Qatar and the United States coordinate closely on regional diplomatic initiatives, cooperate to increase security in the Gulf, and enjoy extensive economic links, especially in the hydrocarbons sector. Qatar sees the development of a world-class educational system as key to its continued success. As a result, hundreds of Qataris study in the United States. Cornell University has established a degree-granting branch medical school campus in Doha, and other universities including Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon University, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Design, and the Georgetown School of Foreign Service also have branch campuses in Qatar's 'Education City' complex. Principal U.S. Officials Ambassador--Chase Untermeyer Deputy Chief of Mission--Michael Ratney Political/Economic Counselor--Stephen Rice Senior Commercial Officer--Robert Peaslee Consular Officer--Timothy Ponce Public Affairs Officer--Joey Hood Defense Attaché--CDR Coby Loessberg, USN The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is located in Doha at 22 February Road, Al Luqta District, Doha, Qatar. Mailing address: P.O. Box 23, Doha. Tel.: 974-488-4161; fax 4884150. The embassy is open Sunday through Thursday (Qatar's workweek), closed for U.S. and Qatari holidays.