My Summary of Qatar's Cultural Day: Celebrating Heritage and U.S.-Qatar Partnership in Los Angeles
By The Honorable Geert Criel
I had the pleasure of attending Qatar Cultural Day at the residence of The Honorable Mansoor Abdullah Al-Sulaitin, Consul General of Qatar in Los Angeles. The event was beautifully organized by the Consulate in collaboration with the LA World Affairs Council and Town Hall and the Cultural Bridges Foundation.
The Consulate curated several exhibits showcasing Qatar’s rich cultural heritage—from stunning architecture and traditional clothing to intricate handicrafts. But the spacious residence also featured contemporary works by Qatari artists, blending tradition with modern creativity. To top off the event, guests enjoyed a delicious meal, offering a taste of Qatar’s vibrant cuisine.
In his welcome speech, Consul General Al-Sulaitin highlighted the strong partnership between Qatar and the U.S. and Qatar’s continuous efforts to foster dialogue in regional conflicts.
Indeed, over the years, Qatar has played a key role in mediating peace in the Middle East. Most recently, alongside Egypt and the U.S., it helped broker a major ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The deal included a halt to hostilities, the release of Israeli hostages, and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners, while also addressing humanitarian concerns such as aid access and the return of displaced Palestinians.
Qatar is a vital strategic ally of the U.S. in the Gulf, hosting the U.S. Central Command at Al Udeid Air Base, a key hub for military operations. In recognition of this close relationship, the U.S. designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) in 2022, strengthening their defense and strategic cooperation.
On the economic front, Qatar is one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters, with the U.S. as a key partner in energy trade, investments, and technology. Major U.S. energy companies operate in Qatar, while Qatar itself has made significant investments in the U.S. economy.
But beyond politics and business, Consul General Al-Sulaitin emphasized the warm friendship between the people of Qatar and the U.S., leading to many cultural and educational exchanges that continue to bring our nations closer together.
The Honorable Geert Criel is a Pacific Council member and former Belgian career diplomat with senior assignments in the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States. He has previous experience in banking and financial services and presently works in business development with a Pasadena-based financial group. Mr. Criel is also active in a not-for-profit that promotes European cinema in Los Angeles.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Pacific Council.
