SECRETARY POMPEO: It’s an honor for me to
participate in the second U.S.-Qatar Strategic
Dialogue, the first one to be hosted here
in Doha.
Our strategic partnership spans many areas
and continues to grow, as demonstrated by
the sheer number of topics we will discuss
here today amongst our two teams.
Defense and security, counterterrorism, labor,
trade and investment, energy, education, and
culture are all on the agenda and all important
parts of our relationship.
The United States and Qatar are working together
to address a number of regional security challenges,
including in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Our defense relationship is extensive, important,
and growing.
Qatar is host to 13,000 U.S. and coalition
service members at Al Udeid Air Base, and
has served as the primary staging area for
our coalition to defeat ISIS.
Thank you for the support you provide us with
the airbase.
You should know that I speak for the American
people when I say we are grateful for your
country’s willingness to make sure that
the airbase can meet the needs of the U.S.
military for decades to come.
We look forward to signing these new agreements
today . . .
