DOHA, Qatar

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held talks in Doha on Tuesday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss strategic ties between the two countries.

A statement issued by the emir’s office, the Amiri Diwan, said the discussions between the two sides dwelt on the strategic relations between the two countries and aspects of enhancing ties in various fields.

Blinken also met with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani where they discussed a host of regional and international issues, including the Iranian nuclear file.

Addressing a joint press conference, bin Abdulrahman said his talks with Blinken also dwelt on the situation in Iraq, Libya, Palestine, and Afghanistan.

He added that the US-Qatari strategic dialogue is an important platform in relations between the two countries.

Blinken is scheduled to attend on Tuesday the annual round of strategic dialogue between the United States and Qatar.

The dialogue is expected to address 12 major issues within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including politics, economy, culture, education, energy, health, mediation, and combating terrorism among others.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar