Qatari and U.S. Defense Delegations Conduct Discussion of Defense Cooperation

 Sept. 17, 2020

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The U.S.-Qatar Military Consultative Commission (MCC) was held in Washington, D.C. September 16-17, 2020.  Dr. Michael Cutrone, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, led the U.S. delegation, while Brigadier General Abdulaziz Al- Sulaiti, Chief of Qatar’s International Military Cooperation Authority, led the Qatari delegation. 

The United States and Qatar reaffirmed the important contribution their military cooperation provides for the security and stability of the region.  The U.S.-Qatar military partnership is critical to combating terrorism, countering violent extremism, and deterring external aggression.  U.S. officials praised Qatar’s support for the U.S. military presence in Qatar under the U.S. Central Command. 

The United States welcomed Qatar’s continued willingness to host U.S. forces and both sides discussed planned improvements to critical facilities at those bases.  The two governments discussed the current $26 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, praised the recent delivery of AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, and looked forward to the upcoming delivery of F-15QA fighter jets.  

The United States and Qatar discussed efforts to enhance their military relationship, including specifically in the areas of defense doctrine and strategy, security assistance and training, and military intelligence.  The two governments acknowledged the continuing and strong and lasting bilateral security partnership, and look forward to that partnership enduring for years to come.