Qatar, US Sign Major Defense Agreements During Trump’s Visit
By Kardo Roj
DOHA, Qatar (North Press) – The State of Qatar signed multiple strategic defense agreements with the United States on Wednesday, marking a significant deepening of bilateral ties amid President Donald Trump’s diplomatic tour of the Gulf.
The deals, announced just hours after Trump arrived in Doha from Riyadh, include a high-profile agreement to purchase 160 aircraft from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing. According to President Trump, the deal is valued at $200 billion and represents one of the largest commercial aviation contracts in the region’s history.
Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed Trump at the Emiri Diwan, where the leaders held bilateral talks focused on regional stability, defense cooperation, and mutual economic interests.
“We all seek peace in the region and hope this time it will be achieved,” the Emir said, adding, “I know you are a man of peace and want to see that happen.”
The Emir’s remarks came during a joint statement, where both leaders underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to promote long-term security across the Middle East, particularly amid ongoing regional shifts following recent developments in Syria and the broader Levant.
While specific terms of the defense agreements were not publicly disclosed, regional analysts suggest they may include weapons systems, military training programs, and expanded basing rights. Qatar is already home to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the region and a critical command center for operations in Syria and Iraq.
The U.S. has long considered Qatar a key strategic partner due to its geopolitical location, financial resources, and willingness to host coalition forces. This latest cooperation is seen as a message to both adversaries and allies that Washington is committed to maintaining a robust military presence in the Gulf.
In addition to defense cooperation, the Emir and President Trump witnessed the signing of a landmark commercial deal involving Qatar Airways and Boeing. The $200 billion agreement includes the purchase of 160 aircraft, intended to modernize Qatar’s national carrier and bolster its competitive edge in global aviation.
The aircraft deal will also provide a significant boost to the U.S. economy and aerospace industry, which President Trump highlighted in his remarks.
“This is not just a win for our companies, but a strong testament to the friendship and trust between our nations,” Trump said.
The economic pact aligns with broader U.S. efforts to stimulate domestic manufacturing while expanding influence in the Gulf through strategic commercial partnerships.
As U.S. engagement in the Middle East enters a new phase, the Qatar agreements are likely to serve as a cornerstone for future cooperation. With multiple power centers emerging in the region, including the growing influence of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and its U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Qatar’s alignment with U.S. defense priorities may shape broader regional strategies.