Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The United States and Qatar conducted the 16th U.S.-Qatar Military Consultative Commission (MCC) at the Pentagon on October 15, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Daniel B. Shapiro, and Qatar Defense Attaché to the United States, Major General Ali Al-Kuwari.
The Qatari delegation comprised members from various sectors including the Qatar Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces, Qatar Emiri Air Force, Qatar Emiri Engineering Corps, Intelligence and Security Project, Logistics and Support Authority, International Military Cooperation Authority, and the Qatari Ministry of the Interior. On the U.S. side, representatives from the State Department, U.S. Central Command, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and Office of the Secretary of Defense participated.
The MCC serves as a primary defense forum between both nations to reinforce bilateral defense ties. Discussions focused on confronting shared threats, advancing security assistance programs, expanding military cooperation, and exploring potential defense industrial collaboration.
"DASD Shapiro and Major General Ali reaffirmed their countries' enduring commitment to the bilateral strategic partnership," according to Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Bryon McGarry. The delegations exchanged views on regional security challenges such as conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, Houthi threats in the Red Sea affecting international commerce flow, as well as destabilizing activities by Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups.
The U.S. delegation highlighted "the importance of multilateral security approaches to address shared threats." They also expressed gratitude for Qatar's hosting of U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base which plays a crucial role in regional security.
Both parties agreed on further developing Qatari Armed Forces capabilities while deepening military cooperation through training exercises, information-sharing initiatives, and defense trade. Additionally, U.S. representatives acknowledged Qatar's pivotal role in facilitating U.S.-led regional security integration efforts vital for promoting stability amidst rising tensions.
