Rubio, Qatari prime minister discuss regional security, cooperation

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Tuesday with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Washington, DC to discuss bilateral relations and regional security and stability, according to the State Department.

"Secretary Rubio and the Prime Minister discussed the important strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, including close security and economic cooperation and shared efforts to address regional challenges in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

During the meeting, Rubio expressed gratitude for Qatar’s efforts in securing the release of American citizens from Afghanistan and commended the Gulf state’s diplomatic efforts in the region, she said.

"The Secretary and Prime Minister reiterated both countries’ support for greater security and stability in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of increased collaboration on bilateral and regional issues," she added.

According to a readout by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, both parties “emphasized the importance of joint mediation efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”

Al Thani also reiterated Qatar’s “full support” for diplomacy and dialogue in resolving the “outstanding issues” between the US and Iran.