Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Qatari Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid al-Attiyah met at the Pentagon today and affirmed the longtime security partnership between the United States and Qatar, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.
In a statement summarizing the first bilateral meeting between the two defense leaders, Cook said they discussed a range of issues related to mutual security interests, including countering violent extremism from groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Contiunued Cooperation
“Secretary Carter identified several areas where the United States and Qatar can deepen their security cooperation for the benefit of both countries, such as their continued cooperation in confronting violent extremism, military-to-military exchanges on subjects such as education and medical care, and Qatar’s constructive engagement with [Gulf Cooperation Council] partners in the region,” the press secretary said.
Carter thanked al-Attiyah for Qatar's support for a closer partnership, Cook added, and reaffirmed their strong relationship, noting that the two countries share many common interests.