Podesta Group inked a three-month $150K pact with the Saudi American Public Relations Affairs Committee to support the economic and political boycott of Qatar for its alleged support of terrorism.
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain and five other Islamic states erected the blockade in June.
Podesta’s primary objectives, according to its work plan, are to raise awareness of “Qatari support for and funding or terrorism,” highlight Doha’s refusal to adhere to the 2014 Riyadh agreement, build on “President Donald Trump’s calls on Qatar to stop financing terrorism,” and reinforce “Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in stabilizing the region.”
The DC firm promised to “create and distribute a steady drumbeat of content” in line with the objectives that will resonate in the capital and beyond, targeting mainly policymakers, media, think tank analysts and business leaders.
The communications program includes “eye-catching” online ads to “drive home our topline messaging and push US thought leaders” in publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Hill and CQ Roll Call.
There’s also will be messaging around the opening of the United Nations’ General Assembly (Sept 12-25) via a sponsored event with Foreign Policy or Politico and/or newspaper advertising.
Unless terminated in writing, the PG’s pact automatically renews Sept. 20 for another three months.

London Global Strategies is providing government relations and PR counsel to the economic development arm of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí.
Havas Media Germany has hired Piro Inc. to further the digital push of the Israel Government Advertising Agency to sway US public opinion.
Hogan Lovells has signed a $100K monthly pact to represent Venezuela’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, and its Washington embassy.
Liberia has agreed to pay a $100K monthly retainer to Ballard Partners for counsel on how to improve its relations with the US.
Romania has signed a $565K monthly contract with Eversheds Sutherland for strategic counsel and government relations activities.



