The relationship between Qatar and the USA has always been very strong and cordial. The US has its biggest air base in the region at the Al Udeid.

Qatar, as part of strengthening relations with their US counterparts, had announced a few months ago that it would expand the American Air Base in the country. And now, the foundation stone for the work has been laid by Qatar’s Ministry of Defence, reported Gulf Times.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs laid the foundation stone for the expansion project of Al Udeid Air Base with the participation of Brig. Gen. Jason Armagost, commander of the air expeditionary wing at Al Udeid Air Base. pic.twitter.com/bw2qlV4LNF

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) July 24, 2018

The expansion work, which will see new barracks being built for US and Coalition airmen stationed at Al Udeid Air Base (AUAB), is expected to be a multi-billion Dollar project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy to Qatar Ryan M Gliha were the top bureaucrats present during the ceremony.

The function was also attended by Brigadier General Jason R Armagost, who is the Commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, reported The Peninsula.

HE the Deputy PM & Minister Of State For Defense Affairs @kbmalattiya & HE @USAmbQatar at a ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurating the expansion of #AUAB as part of the #Qatar commitment during this years #USQatar strategic dialogue in DC in support of the fight against terrorism pic.twitter.com/6nLSFW4AaA

— ﮼نواف (@NawafAlThani) July 24, 2018

The new barracks is expected to give US marines stationed in the country greater degree of comfort and amenities as they go about their vital day-to-day work supporting and executing operations to combat ISIS and promote stability throughout the region, according to Qatar Tribune.

The Al Udeid airbase currently hosts approximately 10,000 US and coalition force members. 

Since 2002, Qatar has contributed over $8bn to support US and coalition operations and facilities at Al Udeid. 

At the inaugural US Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Washington in January 2018, Qatar had offered to expand critical facilities at the US bases in Qatar.