Thank you, your Excellency, members of the press, and honored guests for joining us.

I’m honored and excited to celebrate this new development in the thriving trade relationship between the United States and Qatar.

Today, we’re announcing a deal of historic significance between the Boeing Company and Qatar Airways’ cargo affiliate. 

I understand from Boeing that this is the largest dollar value commitment for freighter aircraft in the company’s history.

More importantly, the economic impact of this sale will reverberate throughout the United States. It’s a win for our workers, our manufacturers, and our suppliers.

These new freighters will be manufactured and assembled by American workers on American soil in Everett, Washington. 

And the aircraft will include GE9X engines produced by GE Aviation, also built and assembled in the U.S.

Both Boeing and GE Aviation rely on hundreds of suppliers located in states across the U.S., many of whom will play integral roles in the production of these freighters.

The Biden Administration has prioritized the revitalization of our manufacturing economy. It’s one of the reasons I said yes when President Biden asked me to be Secretary of Commerce.

This investment from our friends in Qatar represents another step towards fulfilling that priority. It means good jobs right here in America, billions more in exports, and a much-needed boost to America’s manufacturing sector.

It also reaffirms the historic commitment and trade relationship between our two nations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Qatar diplomatic relations, and this landmark announcement reflects our deep and lasting relationship. 

In areas ranging from security cooperation to energy to commerce, our broad and growing partnership supports peace and prosperity in the region and is a great mutual benefit. 

We thank Qatar for its friendship and look forward to many future opportunities as we work together to achieve great outcomes for the people of the United States and Qatar.

With that, I would like to give the floor to His Excellency Meshal Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States.