Emir, Mattis keen to boost defence ties

*US defence secretary lauds Qatar's support for fight against terrorism *Meeting also tackles international issues like Yemen and Syria

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and US Defence Secretary James Mattis on Monday discussed strategic, defence, military and security co-operation between the two countries and means of developing and expanding them.

During the meeting, which was held at the US Department of Defence (Pentagon), the Emir and the US defence secretary reviewed the two countries' co-operation in combating terrorism and its causes.The meeting also tackled a number of current regional and international events, especially the situation in Yemen and Syria.At the beginning of the meeting, Mattis expressed his thanks to the Emir and the delegation accompanying him for the visit, voicing his pleasure at their presence in the Pentagon, especially after the US-Qatari strategic dialogue (held on January 30 this year) which reflects the strength of long-standing relations between Qatar and the US, as well as the partnership at the level of the defence departments. He described the relations between the two countries as historical and friendly. He said he is looking forward to further bilateral discussions and opportunities for future cooperation.

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meets with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis during a meeting at the Pentagon Mattis also appreciated Qatar's commitment and support for security and stability in the region. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Emir for Qatar's important role in the fight against terrorism through Al Udeid Air Base.He pointed out that the challenges that Qatar and the US faced in the region were similar.He expressed his thanks for Qatari investments in the city centre, stressing that Qatar-US relations are deep-rooted.His Highness the Emir highlighted the strength of relations between the two countries, especially in the defence sector, pointing out the success of the Qatari-US strategic dialogue and its results which confirm the development of relations for the better.The Emir also referred to the co-operation in various fields, particularly in combating terrorism, noting that Qatar hosts more than 10,000 US soldiers who are working with Qatari soldiers.The meeting was attended by a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir.Earlier upon his arrival at the Pentagon, the Emir was accorded an official reception.Besides Mattis, the Emir held talks with the CEOs and chairmen of a number of top establishments in Washington.The Emir met with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Company Thomas Kennedy at his residence in Washington DC.The meeting reviewed a number of areas of co-operation, especially in defence technology and cyber security fields. His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meets with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Company, Thomas Kennedy, in Washington.His Highness the Emir met with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConocoPhillips Ryan Lance and the accompanying delegation.

The meeting reviewed co-operation in energy and the prospects for its development.The Emir met with Chairman of Sentinel Real Estate Corporation John Streicker, at his residence in Washington DC .The meeting reviewed areas of co-operation and opportunities to cement them, especially in the field of investment.The Emir also met with Jane Harman, President and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center , at his residence.Among the topics discussed included developments in the Middle East, especially in the political, security and economic fields.They also exchanged views on major international events.The meetings were attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir.