Donald Trump highlighted this Wednesday the good relations of the United States with Qatar upon his arrival in the country as part of his trip through the Middle East and promised “peace” for the entire region, despite the increasing tension in the area.
Shortly after arriving in Doha, the Qatari capital, the leader met with the Emir, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, with whom he praised the “long-standing friendship” they have shared “for a long time”.
In this sense, he highlighted Qatar’s role in the “Iranian issue” and led the signing of several agreements to enhance defense cooperation between both countries.
What did Donald Trump say upon his arrival in Qatar?
“We just get along,” said the President of the United States before insisting that it is a “very special relationship.”
Likewise, Trump compared the Emir to the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. “They are tall and handsome men who happen to be very intelligent,” added the American president.
He also highlighted the importance of the $200 billion agreement reached with Qatar, which includes the sale of the “largest number of aircraft” in Boeing’s history. “The deal includes 160 aircraft,” he emphasized, while also noting that the latest airplane models will be unveiled on Thursday.
“We are going to bring peace not only here but to other regions,” he pointed out in reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an issue he has discussed with the Emir and for which he hopes to achieve a solution as soon as possible.
Controversial gift from the government of Qatar
Trump’s arrival in Qatar is preceded by a strong controversy, as media outlets revealed that the government of said country has planned to gift the President of the United States with a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 plane that will be used from now on as one of the Air Force One presidential planes.
“I think it has been a very nice gesture. I could be silly and say: no, we don’t want a free plane (...). It benefits us because we have 40-year-old planes,” said the U.S. president on Monday.
While Trump said he will not use the plane when he leaves office, the luxury Boeing will be donated to the Donald J. Trump Library.
The gift has generated strong criticism in the United States, even from Republican lawmakers, considering that it comes from a foreign government.
Even the far-right activist Laura Loomer, a supporter of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, criticized Trump for accepting the gift and accused Qatar of financing paramilitary organizations close to Iran.