The U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr. Khalid Al Attiyah at the Pentagon on November 6 to reaffirm the strategic security partnership between the U.S. and Qatar, Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said in a readout.

“The leaders discussed a broad range of defense and security issues, including Qatar’s pledge to upgrade and modernize the infrastructure on Al Udeid Air Base. The leaders also noted the need for increased partnership in countering threats to regional economic infrastructure and the free flow of commerce throughout the region.  

 Secretary Esper highlighted the growing impact of Qatari cooperation with U.S. Central Command and gave Dr. Khalid thanks for Qatar’s continued hospitality in hosting thousands of U.S. forces.  Both parties agreed that U.S. presence in the Gulf region provides stability and security for the free flow of commerce.  Secretary Esper also affirmed the Department of Defense’s commitment to continued participation with Qatar on several initiatives involving military-to-military exchanges and improvements to interoperability,” Hoffman added.