US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Gulf Affairs "Daniel Benaim" confirmed that the State of Qatar has been a close friend and strategic ally of the United States for 50 years, noting that it has hosted American forces for several years as well, commenting on Biden's description of the decision to classify Doha as a major ally from outside. NATO called it "too late". In an interview with Al-Hurra channel, Benaim said: We worked hand in hand on issues related to our national security, international security and Gulf security with the US Central Command. Last Tuesday, US President Joe Biden officially informed Congress of Qatar's designation as a major non-NATO ally, pointing out that this designation is "a recognition of our national interest in deepening defense and security cooperation with it." Concerning the timing of the decision, Benaim said: "What we have seen over the past year is that all the Gulf countries came to a large scale to help the United States in the evacuation process from Afghanistan." And when this work was over, it was a matter of our national honor that we were able to help Afghans who helped Americans find safety in the United States and start a new life, and evacuate Americans and others from third countries who were part of the international effort in Afghanistan, and had to get out to their safety. The US official added: “All countries were helpful in this effort, but no one was more helpful than Qatar. From the beginning, they committed to working closely with the United States and helped facilitate our diplomatic operations before, during and after the fall of Kabul.