The United States intends to continue working with Qatar for stability in the Middle East, particularly on defeating ISIS and countering the spread of Iran's influence in the region, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said at the meeting with the emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
"We intend to continue working together for stability and security in the turbulent Middle East," the Secretary of Defense noted.
In a statement summarizing the meeting, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana White said Mattis and Al Thani discussed mutual security interests, including the campaign to defeat ISIS.
"They also discussed the Gulf Cooperation Council and the importance of de-escalating tensions so all US partners in the region can work together to ensure regional security and stability," White said.
She added that both affirmed their shared commitment to continued security cooperation.
