US President Barack Obama discussed Tuesday security cooperation, cooperation in the field of technology and science with visiting Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
A statement by the White House said that both leaders discussed regional issues, top of them was the coalition to degrade and defeat ISIL, with Obama stressing the need of reducing the sectarian violence and the need for the Iraqi people to live together.
On Syria, Obama reiterated that Assad lost his legitimacy but acknowledged that finding a solution to the Syrian crisis, "is a source of tremendous challenge". He said that the US will continue to support the moderate opposition.
Libya and Yemen were also among the topics discussed, "which is causing a tremendous amount of turmoil" the President said.
Furthermore, Obama updated the Qatari Amir on the negotiations with Iran and said that any process needs to be verified.
This is the first official visit of Sheikh Tamim to the White House.
Obama described his talks with Sheikh Tamim as "excellent." He said that he wants to see peace and security in the Middle East and that the young people has the chance to be educated.
On his part, Sheikh Tamim thanked President Obama for his commitment to find a solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing that it is an important issue to the people of the Middle East.
According to the Sheikh Tamim's delegation, he is addressing students at George Town University, and will be meeting with the leaders of both parties at Congress tomorrow. He is visiting Huston and has meetings with the business leaders there. The Amir is to leave on Friday.