The potential switch of the $400mn Boeing aircraft is a “very clear” authorities transaction, the prime minister has mentioned
Qatar has dismissed criticism over its proposed reward of a luxurious Boeing jet to the US, insisting the transfer is a simple authorities transaction. In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani urged the provide was a part of regular diplomatic relations and never a private favor.
The $400 million Boeing 747-8 could be handed to the Division of Protection and substitute Air Drive One, whereas the US authorities awaits a supply of latest presidential jets from Boeing; the order has been set again years by the troubled aircraft maker.
Some Democratic lawmakers, nonetheless, have accused US President Donald Trump of utilizing the presidency for private achieve.
“This can be a very clear trade that’s occurring between two governments… It has nothing to do with personnel,” Al-Thani has informed CNN. “I don’t see any controversy.”
Al-Thani additionally refuted issues voiced by some Republicans that Qatar could search to affect the US administration.
”Qatar has at all times been there for the US when it’s wanted,” he mentioned, pointing to counterterrorism collaboration between the 2 states. Qatari assist with evacuation in the course of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, and mediated hostage releases involving US residents in Gaza.
Trump argued that the jet is a “reward from a Nation” to the US authorities, to not him personally. “Solely a FOOL wouldn’t settle for this,” he claimed.
The White Home’s present fleet of Boeing 747-200 jets, which have been in service for the reason that early Nineteen Nineties, has confronted ongoing technical points. A contract for 2 new Air Drive One planes primarily based on the 747-8 has been suffering from delays and rising prices, pushing supply from the unique 2024 goal to as late as 2027 or 2028.
Al-Thani’s feedback got here as Trump visited Qatar on Wednesday and Thursday as a part of his tour of the Center East. Throughout the go to, the White Home introduced an financial trade settlement between the 2 international locations value $1.2 trillion, which included a ‘historic’ Boeing deal for as much as 210 jets.
The gifting of the jet was anticipated to be confirmed throughout Trump’s go to to Doha. Nonetheless, the President has departed, and no official announcement has been made up to now.
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