Marco Rubio has met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the US State Department says, according to Al Jazeera.

“The Secretary expressed appreciation for Qatar’s partnership on a range of issues,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

“The secretary and the foreign minister also discussed US support for Qatar’s defence, and the importance of continued close coordination to deter threats and promote stability and security across the Middle East.”