NOVEMBER 7, 2019 – Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper welcomed Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Khalid Al Attiyah today to the Pentagon in an enhanced honor cordon for bilateral talks between the two leaders.
After about 30 minutes of discussions, Esper and Khalid emerged from a conference room and made remarks to a Pentagon press corps pool.
“Minister Khalid and I had a very good discussion, sharing our views on the region, reassuring him of our partnership together in terms of everything from deterring Iran to defeating ISIS,” Esper said.
The secretary said the two leaders had a “very good round of talks,” and he noted that he thanked Khalid for the “incredible partnership that has resulted in their hosting our thousands of troops in their country. [The support they give us is] deeply appreciated.”
The United States and Qatar cooperate on security in the Persian Gulf region, notably by hosting the Al Udeid Air Base and U.S. Central Command Forward headquarters, and Qatar’s support of NATO and U.S. military operations in the region, according to the State Department.
Khalid told the media pool many items of interest were discussed, including training and performing exercises between the United States and Qatar militaries.
BY TERRI MOON CRONK