Biden designates Qatar a major non-NATO US ally

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US President Joe Biden made the decision on Thursday to designate Qatar as a major non-NATO ally of the US, a promise he had made to Qatar earlier this year in their January meeting.

This designation is usually given to allies that have a strategic relationship with the US military.

Biden had told reporters during his January meeting with Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, "I am notifying Congress that I will designate Qatar as a major non-NATO ally to reflect the importance of our relationship."

At the time, Biden also welcomed a major deal between Qatar Airways and Boeing concerning the supply of 34 777-8 wide-body cargo aircraft. The deal was said to pave the way for ordering 16 more in the future. 

Biden's announcement will pave the way for defense relations between Washington and Doha. This designation has only so far been granted by the US to 17 countries and entities, including "Israel".

With this designation, Qatar will be able to loan US tools, equipment, fund mutual research agreements, take part in research and development, and Doha will attain the capacity to store US war supplies on its soil outside of US army facilities.

It will also allow Qatar to enter bilateral or multilateral joint training agreements with the US.

Qatar is the world's largest exporter of LNG. With Biden's decision, Qatar has joined six other Arab countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco.