Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel hosted Qatar's Minister of State for Defense Affairs His Excellency Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah at the Pentagon today to sign letters of offer and acceptance for Apache helicopters and Patriot and Javelin defense systems valued at $11 billion dollars.
"Today's signing ceremony underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar in the area of security and defense and will help improve our bilateral cooperation across a range of military operations," said Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby
Secretary Hagel also used the meeting to express his appreciation for the support that Qatar provides U.S. forces in the country. Today's visit followed Secretary Hagel's visit to Doha last fall, where he met with Minister Attiyah to sign and renew the U.S. - Qatar Defense Cooperation Agreement.
"This is a critically important relationship in the region," said Kirby. "And the secretary is pleased to be able to continue to make it stronger."