Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus completed a visit to Doha, Qatar, Nov. 20.
The visit was designed to build upon an existing relationship with Qatar, an important partner in the Middle East region.
“Qatar is and remains a very valuable American partner,” said Mabus. “In our cooperation on a wide range of issues, it has proven itself repeatedly to be a positive and innovative force.”
Mabus met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense, Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali Al-Attiyah, Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Ghanim Shaheen al-Ghanim, the Commander, Qatari Emiri Navy, Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Nasir Mubarak Shakiri al-Muhannadi and the Commander, Qatari Emiri Air Force, Maj. Gen. Mubarak Mohammed Al Kumait al-Khayarin.
During the meetings, Mabus expressed his desire for continued military cooperation with Qatar’s armed forces.
“We look forward to collaborating with Qatar on our shared goals of stability and prosperity in the region,” said Mabus.
Mabus also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, Susan Ziadeh, and Marines assigned to the embassy in Doha, expressing his thanks and support for their efforts.
“We remain committed to the region despite any fiscal challenges,” said Mabus. “The President’s defense strategy, in part, calls for us to concentrate on the Arabian Gulf, and that is what we have done and will continue to do.”
Mabus’ stop in Qatar is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. European, Africa and Central Command areas of responsibility focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and visiting Sailors and Marines providing forward presence.
[mappress] Press Release, November 21, 2013; Image: US Navy