On Wednesday, President Donald Trump made history by becoming the first sitting US president to visit Qatar, receiving a remarkable welcome fitting for such a significant event.
Trump’s journey began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the second leg of his Middle Eastern tour this week.
An escort of Qatari F-15s met Air Force One mid-flight and guided it to Doha.
Upon arrival, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani warmly welcomed Trump on the tarmac in the capital.
The reception continued as Trump’s motorcade headed towards Amiridiwan, showcasing a lavish atmosphere.
During their official meeting, Trump reflected on their earlier White House encounter in 2019, emphasizing Qatar’s role in pursuing peace between Russia and Ukraine.
“I want to express my gratitude, especially for our friendship. It’s a truly remarkable and loyal bond,” Trump remarked to Al Thani.
In welcoming Trump, Al Thani expressed his pride in hosting the first sitting US president. “We are extremely honored and excited. This is a historic visit,” he said.
He added, “You are officially the President of the United States… It’s an honor to have you here in Qatar.”
Later, officials from both nations signed several agreements, with the White House announcing that Trump had secured a substantial $1.2 trillion economic commitment from Qatar.
Among these, there was a statement of intent regarding defense cooperation, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Qatari counterpart, which included a contract for MQ-9B aircraft.
The White House outlined that Qatar agreed to a general atomic understanding and will invest nearly $2 billion for the remote pilot MQ-9Bs.
Additionally, Trump and Al Thani formalized a broader declaration of cooperation between the US and Qatar.
A major deal between Boeing and Qatar was also highlighted, involving a sale of 160 aircraft. In total, Boeing and GE Aerospace reported 210 planes purchased.
“This historic agreement is projected to support 154,000 US jobs annually while contributing to over 1 million jobs throughout the US related to manufacturing and delivery,” the White House stated.
