Pentagon Press Secretary Brig Gen Patrick Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke on the phone today with Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership.
Secretary Austin congratulated the State of Qatar for hosting a successful FIFA World Cup and thanked Minister Al Attiyah for Qatar’s support to the United States and regional stability and security.
Secretary Austin expressed his appreciation to the Minister for Qatar’s continued hosting of U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base and reiterated U.S. commitment to the defense partnership.