December 22, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke with Qatari Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Salim Hamad Aqil Al-Nabit today by phone.
The two military leaders discussed the current security environment in the Middle East, including the threat against U.S. forces throughout the region and the current situation in Gaza. Gen. Brown emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, continued efforts to secure hostages held by Hamas, as well as the importance of deterring any state or non-state actor from seeking to expand the conflict.
The leaders discussed recent attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea. Gen. Brown reiterated the U.S. desire to work with all nations who share an interest in upholding the principle of freedom of navigation and ensuring safe passage for global shipping.
The strategic partnership between the U.S. and Qatar, a Major Non-NATO Ally, is a crucial element to peace and security in the Middle East region.
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