Foreign Minister holds talks with Kerry

HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday in the course of his current visit to Washington.
The meeting comes in the framework of ongoing consultation and co-ordination between Qatar and the US on bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments.  
In statements to reporters prior to the meeting, HE the Foreign Minister underlined the distinct relations between Qatar and the United States of America at all levels, and stressed the keenness of both the countries to further strengthen co-operation and co-ordination to face challenges in the region, mainly in Palestine, Syria, Libya and Yemen.
The Foreign Minister said that the meeting aims to discuss the risk of the growing phenomenon of terrorism through a comprehensive perspective of the fight against terror and to address the root causes economically, politically and socially.  
He emphasised that the United States is a strategic ally in restoring security and peace in the region, stressing Qatar’s commitment to the achievement of that goal.  
For his part, the US State Secretary underlined that both countries share common interests in establishing peace and stability in the region, especially in Syria, Libya and Yemen.
The US secretary of state highlighted the joint efforts of both countries in the fight against extremist groups.
He thanked HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the efforts he recently exerted to support the Libyan government, security and stability in the region, and fight the influence of extremist groups in Libya.
Kerry also thanked Qatar for promoting the work between the two countries in the security field.
Separately, HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani also met a number of members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
During the meeting, they discussed ways of strengthening and developing bilateral relations in various fields. They also exchanged views on a number of topics of common interest, particularly the situation in the region.
HE the Foreign Minister emphasised during the meeting the depth of relations between Qatar and the United States, looking forward to further developing the co-operation at all levels.
HE also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to work with friendly countries to maintain international security and peace, and to find real and comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the region, especially in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Palestine.
For their part, the members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee expressed their appreciation for the efforts exerted by the State of Qatar to establish security and stability in the region.