 "Not a personal gift: Qatar PM clarifies Trump jet row, calls it 'govt-to-govt' transaction")
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has said he “does not see any controversy” surrounding US President Donald Trump’s plan to accept a Boeing 747-8 from his country that will be reportedly used as Air Force One.
Talking to CNN, Al-Thani said, “This is a very simple government-to-government dealing. It has nothing to do with personnel, whether it’s on the US side or the Qatari side. It’s Ministry of Defense and Department of Defense.”
Trump’s desire to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar has been slammed by Republicans and Democrats alike, with many dubbing it an illegal foreign donation and national security threat.
Earlier this week, the US President said that it would be “stupid” for him to refuse Qatar’s offer that will be later used as the jet American presidents travel on when they fly around the globe.
The Qatari jet will be donated to Trump’s library after he leaves office, essentially meaning that only the Republican leader will have the privilege to travel in the Qatari plane.
‘Won’t do anything illegal’
On fears of a possible influence tactic played by Qatar on the US, Al-Thani said, “Why would we buy an influence in the United States? If you look just in the last 10 years in the US-Qatar relationship. Qatar has been always there for the US, when it’s needed, whether it’s on the war against terror, whether it’s in the evacuation of Afghanistan, whether it’s on releasing hostages from different, different countries around the world.”
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View AllWhen asked if he would withdraw the offer if it were deemed illegal, the prime minister said, “Yeah, of course.” As per CNN, the matter of the Boeing jet from Qatar is “under review”.
“We will not do anything illegal. If there something illegal here, there would be many ways to hide these kind of transactions when will not be visible for the public. This is a very clear exchange that’s happening between two governments,” Al-Thani added.
Qatar signs more Boeing planes to US
Meanwhile, Boeing landed its biggest deal for widebody airplanes on Wednesday when state carrier Qatar Airways placed firm orders for 160 jetliners plus options to buy 50 more during Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country.
The deal for Boeing 777x and 787 planes with GE Aerospace engines was worth $96 billion, according to the White House. It is a win for Trump on a high-profile visit to the region, even though it will be years before the jets are delivered.
The sale is also a boost for Boeing and its biggest engine supplier at a time when large versions of rival Airbus’ A350, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, have struggled with maintenance problems from operating in the world’s hottest climates, including the Gulf region.
With inputs from agencies
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