Player Embed Code: Download Embed Share Mattis Welcomes Qatar Minister of State for Defense Affairs to the Pentagon Defense.gov April 18, 2018 | 1:03 Defense Secretary James N. Mattis hosted an honor cordon to welcome Defense Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah of Qatar to the Pentagon, April 18, 2018. During their meeting, the two leaders highlighted the strengthening of the military relationship between their countries.