DOHA, Qatar: US President Donald Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani witnessed the signing of several major agreements and memorandums of understanding in Doha on Wednesday during Trump’s state visit to the Gulf Arab country, Qatar News Agency reported.
The leaders witnessed the signing of a joint declaration of cooperation between the two governments, as well as agreements including a Boeing aircraft purchase, a statement of intent on defence cooperation, and letters of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B drones and the FS-LIDS anti-drone system, QNA reported.
During official talks, the Qatari Emir praised the historic nature of the visit and the two leaders discussed strengthening ties in defence, investment, energy, education and cybersecurity. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and security.
Sheikh Tamim and Trump also touched on preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, which will be hosted in the US.
President Trump thanked the Emir for Qatar’s warm hospitality and described Sheikh Tamim as a longtime friend and trusted partner.
The US President voiced optimism about expanding cooperation and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
Qatar signs $200b Boeing deal
Qatar signed an agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Wednesday to purchase 160 jets for Qatar Airways.
Trump said the deal was worth $200 billion as and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.
The deal was announced during Trump’s second stop on a tour of Gulf states after he struck a string of deals with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Trump said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told him at the signing ceremony that “it’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing, that’s good”.
Trump added: “It’s over $200 billion, but 160 in terms of the jets, that’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there.”
The order, which the White House said was Boeing’s largest ever for wide-body jets, deepens ties between the US aerospace giant and the giant Middle East carrier.
Qatar Airways will honour a “$96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines,” according to a White House fact sheet.
“This is Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order,” it said.
Comprehensive details about the order were not available. Boeing declined immediate comment.
The order represents a win for new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, although analysts noted that the planes won’t be delivered for at least five years due to industry backlogs.
