Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in advance of his meeting with the broader delegation from the Joint Arab League-Organization of Islamic Cooperation contact group. The Secretary expressed appreciation for Qatar’s critical efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and the recent humanitarian pause in Gaza. The Secretary and Prime Minister Al Thani reiterated the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading and committed to continuing close coordination on ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of all remaining hostages while sustaining humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. They also reaffirmed the strength and importance of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship.