HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah met with the visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. The meeting discussed topics of common interest, and co-operation relations between the two sides and ways to strengthen and develop them. The two parties also discussed the latest developments in the region, particularly the Israeli war on Gaza, and touched on the role of Qatar in mediation efforts, ensuring a ceasefire and reducing military escalation. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials and commanders from both sides.