Qatar premier meets US officials in Washington to discuss energy security, defense
Sheikh Mohammed meets JD Vance, Scott Bessent in Washington, stressing cooperation, LNG flows, maritime security
ISTANBUL
Qatar’s prime minister held talks with senior US officials in Washington focused on defense and safeguarding global energy supplies as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to energy infrastructure continue to rattle markets.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met US Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with discussions centered on strengthening cooperation, particularly in defense, as regional tensions escalate, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Friday.
They also addressed the need to ensure stable and reliable energy supplies amid market volatility.
The leaders stressed the need to ensure the continued flow of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to global markets to enhance energy security.
The Qatari premier also underscored the importance of safeguarding maritime navigation in accordance with international law.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted since early March. Around 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through the waterway daily, and the disruption has driven up shipping costs and pushed global energy prices higher.
Qatar’s main natural gas production site has also been damaged by Iranian strikes, with Rystad Energy estimating it could take up to five years to repair.
US Vice President JD Vance praised the strategic partnership between the two countries and Qatar’s role in supporting regional stability and global energy security, according to the Foreign Ministry.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed also met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation amid the regional conflict.
The Gulf region has remained on edge since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage and disruption to global markets and aviation.
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