Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership and the U.S. commitment to a strong bilateral relationship built on common interests and mutual respect.
Secretary Austin thanked the Minister for Qatar's commitment to regional security and stability, and for Qatar's continued hosting of U.S. forces at Al-Udeid Air Base.