US President Joe Biden on Monday has promised Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani that he will soon designate the country as a major non-NATO ally.

During the meeting, Biden said, “Qatar is a good friend and reliable and capable partner. And I’m notifying Congress that I will designate Qatar as a major non-NATO ally to reflect the importance of our relationship. I think it’s long overdue."

The president also said that he will notify the US Congress soon about the development. The status is granted by the US to close non-NATO allies having strategic working relationships with its military. 

Biden added, “This past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests — relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.”

The US president also spoke of the commercial and investment ties between the two countries, applauding a $20-plus billion order that Qatar Airways placed with Boeing on Monday.

The agenda for the meeting also included the Iran nuclear talks and relations with Afghanistan. The interests of the US were also represented by the small Gulf country.

Qatar's emir will also meet separately with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and discuss arms sales and other military issues with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, an official said.

The US has designated 18 countries, including Pakistan, as major non-NATO allies. Unlike a NATO ally, whose defence becomes the collective responsibility of the alliance, the designation does not entail a defence commitment — but it enables a country to access military and financial advantages.

Image credit: Reuters