On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the Qatari people as they celebrate their National Day on December 18.

The friendship between the Qatari and American people is a model of the "New Beginning" based on mutual respect and mutual interest that President Obama called for in Cairo. Our partnership enhances the stability of the region and the prosperity of all our people. We are working together on regional and global challenges, including the search for peace in Darfur and efforts to end hunger, poverty and disease.

This is an occasion to honor Qatar's heritage and its accomplishments, including contributions towards education, science, and development.

Let me reaffirm the commitment of the United States to working together to broaden and deepen our partnership, and offer my warmest wishes to the Qatari people.

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