An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Mattis, Qatar’s Defense Minister Discuss Mutual Security Interests

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis welcomed Defense Minister Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah of Qatar to the Pentagon today to reaffirm the strategic security partnership between the United States and Qatar, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said.

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis stands with Qatari Defense Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah outside of the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis stands with Qatari Defense Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah while hosting an honor cordon welcoming him to the Pentagon, April 18, 2018. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis stands with Qatari Defense Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah outside of the Pentagon.
Honor Cordon
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis stands with Qatari Defense Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah while hosting an honor cordon welcoming him to the Pentagon, April 18, 2018. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
Photo By: Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
VIRIN: 180418-F-IO684-001

In a statement summarizing the meeting between the two defense leaders, White said Mattis and the defense minister discussed mutual security interests, including the campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, support for the NATO mission in Afghanistan, and improvements to Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar.

Gratitude for Support

In welcoming remarks before the meeting, Mattis thanked his counterpart for Qatar’s long-standing support of America's commitment to regional security, including information sharing and counterterrorism efforts.

“Your nation’s continued generous hospitality in Al Udeid Air Base helps to maintain this commitment to credibility by providing a home for the U.S. Combined Air Operations Center and headquarters for U.S. Central Command Forward,” he said.

The base, Mattis noted, provides crucial support for the fight against ISIS and the NATO mission in Afghanistan.

“We must continue to work together to ensure a secure and stable Middle East, as we confront terrorist threats and counter the spread of Iran's malign influence around the region,” Mattis said. “So today I look forward to reinforcing a lasting U.S.-Qatar security relationship -- one that will continue to bolster our efforts against our common security threats.”

Related Stories