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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of the National Guard Prince Mitib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Qatar's Minister of State for Defense Affairs Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah

Pentagon Spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary Hagel met today with leaders from two nations who have proved integral to ongoing coalition efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). He held separate meetings with Saudi Arabia's Minister of the National Guard Prince Mitib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Qatar's Minister of State for Defense Affairs Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah.

The secretary expressed appreciation for the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and Qatar and thanked the ministers for their countries' support in the fight against the ISIL. Secretary Hagel highlighted Saudi and Qatari participation in coalition airstrikes as well as their support to train and equip the moderate Syrian opposition. Prince Mitib and Secretary Hagel-as well as Gen. Attiyah and the secretary-underscored their desire to continue working closely to confront ISIL and other security challenges in the region.