The Biden administration designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA), and Colombia soon followed, paving the way for new ways of cooperation between nations.
President Joe Biden Confirmed Qatar’s MNNA status on March 10 fulfills its promise to Qatar’s chief Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Altani at the White House in late January. “I think it’s been late for a long time,” Biden said then. Qatar is the third Gulf region country to become MNNA.
According to the President, the designation of Qatar as MNNA aims to reflect the relationship between the two countries. Qatar and the United States have cooperated on several important issues in recent years, including the evacuation of Afghan refugees after the Taliban took over the country last August.
The White House will also make Colombia a joint MNNA on March 10. statement Biden and Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez said. This designation is a recognition of Colombia’s “significant contribution” as NATO’s global partner, a commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts, promotion of democracy, and the refusal of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“This represents the most important recognition of the importance we have built up over the years,” Duque said. CBS.. “This will give Colombia access to investment, trade and security in the issues of strengthening our relationships and protecting Colombia.”
The President of Colombia pointed out that the MNNA status allows the country to receive additional support on issues such as refugee protection and climate change measures.
Currently, the United States has designated 18 countries as major non-NATO allies. They include Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Tunisia, and Qatar.
In addition to these countries, Taiwan is also privileged to be a MNNA member, but has no official designation.
“The designation of a major ally other than NATO is a strong symbol of the close ties that the United States shares with these countries and shows our deep respect for the friendships it expands with. Provides military and economic privileges, but does not require a security commitment to a designated country, “said the State Department. Website..
Countries designated by the MNNA can rent equipment, consumables, and materials for collaborative research, testing, evaluation, and development. You can store US-owned war reserves and get the right to purchase depleted uranium ammunition.
Such countries can enter into formal agreements with the US Department of Defense on joint research and development projects in the areas of munitions and defense equipment. In addition, companies in MNNA countries can bid on contracts that involve repair, maintenance, or overhaul of US defense equipment outside the US.
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Naveen Athrappully is a news reporter on business and global events in The Epoch Times.