Washington, US— US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Qatar on November 21 to launch the fifth annual US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, the Department of State announced Friday.
State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that Blinken will meet with senior Qatari officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Blinken will reiterate US appreciation for “the long standing partnership” between the two countries and discuss a range of “priorities.” The statement added that the US top diplomat will also “recognize Qatar’s important contribution to international sports diplomacy as it hosts the World Cup.” Blinken will be cheering on the US Men’s National Team in its first game of the World Cup, as the US takes on Wales, the statement noted.
Two days before Blinken’s visit, Qatar’s emir on Friday praised Russia’s “cooperation” in preparing the World Cup in a call with President Vladimir Putin.