US, Qatar near new defense pact as Washington lauds Doha’s mediation role
The United States and Qatar are close to finalizing an upgraded defense cooperation agreement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said
WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) — The United States and Qatar are close to finalizing an upgraded defense cooperation agreement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, underscoring Washington’s support for Doha’s diplomacy in the Middle East.
“We have a close partnership with the Qataris,” Rubio told reporters before leaving Tel Aviv for Doha. “In fact, we have an enhanced defense cooperation agreement … we’re on the verge of finalizing.”
Rubio also praised Qatar’s efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. “We’re going to ask Qatar to continue to do what they’ve done,” he said, referring to Doha’s mediation that has helped secure humanitarian pauses and prisoner exchanges.
His remarks followed an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha that condemned last week’s Israeli strike on Hamas negotiators in the Qatari capital and pledged solidarity with the Gulf state.
Qatar hosts the largest US military installation in the Middle East — Al Udeid Air Base — and has long acted as a go-between in regional crises, including talks with Taliban leaders and indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The anticipated defense pact is expected to deepen cooperation on security, counterterrorism and joint exercises, according to US officials, and comes as tensions mount over Gaza and Israeli operations in the West Bank.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
