U.S. and Qatari defense leaders Afghanistan and Middle East issues during Pentagon meetings
The U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah discussed the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, and other regional issues at Pentagon on August 19, 2021.
The U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appreciated Qatar’s positive efforts towards resolving the Afghan crisis, and thanked Qatari minister for his country’s continuous support to the United States efforts in Afghanistan.
“When the United States needs support, Qatar always answers. In particular I want to pass on the
department’s deep gratitude to you and his highness the Emir for hosting and protecting U.S.
forces in Qatar”, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said.
The two defense leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to evacuate Americans and Afghans who worked with the U.S. and NATO forces from Kabul. “It’s a busy day and our focus continues to be on the situation in Kabul”, Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
Both leaders exchanged views on the evacuation mission, and the U.S. secretary thanked the Qatari minister for his country’s support for the safety of American citizens and personnel as the U.S. is pushing hard to get people out of Afghanistan.
The defense leader of the U.S. and Qatar also discussed other key issues and regional challenges.
The two defense leaders deliberated on the ongoing situation in Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen, and the U.S. secretary welcomed Qatar’s humanitarian efforts.
The U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Qatari Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah also agreed to strengthen their cooperation and increase the interoperability between the U.S. and Qatar militaries.
The Qatari minister also visited St. Louis for the unveiling of Qatar’s F-15QA aircraft, an advanced version of F-15 Eagle built to Qatari specifications. Secretary Austin highlighted that the purchase of these aircraft will further strengthen the already close relationship between the two nations’ militaries.
Qatari Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah told the U.S. Secretary of Defense that “Qatar has been a long-time trusted ally to the United States,” and the strategic partnership between two nations is “crucial to maintaining peace and unity in the Middle East.”
