US touts importance of 'strategic relationship' with Qatar

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the "strategic importance" of his country’s relationship with Qatar during a bilateral meeting Thursday with the Gulf nation's foreign minister.

Blinken met with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the State Department and discussed regional issues, Qatar's pledge to aid Lebanon's military, and its $100 million donation to aid Yemen via the World Food Program, spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

"The Secretary highlighted the importance of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to promoting peace and security," Price said, noting the conversation also touched on Qatar's support for intra-Afghan peace talks.