Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as regional and international issues, primarily Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, during his official visit to Washington.

In a press statement on Tuesday evening, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the two sides discussed their "important" partnership, including close security and economic cooperation, joint efforts to address regional challenges, and other bilateral matters of mutual interest.

Bruce added that during the meeting at the State Department, Rubio expressed gratitude for Qatar's efforts in securing the release of American citizens from Afghanistan. She noted that both sides reaffirmed their countries' support for promoting security and stability in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation on bilateral and regional issues.

The spokesperson mentioned that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landou met with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed Al-Khulaifi during the Qatari delegation's visit. They discussed U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to Qatar and the importance of building strong economic and trade relations.

She added that the two sides reviewed Qatar's efforts and ongoing cooperation with interim Syrian authorities to provide stability and assistance to the Syrian people. The Deputy Secretary also thanked Al-Khulaifi for Qatar's support for Lebanon's security and economic development, as well as its role in mediating conflicts in Africa and other regions worldwide.

The White House announced yesterday that President Trump will undertake a Gulf tour from May 13 to 16, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.