KABUL (Pajhwok Afghan News) — US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has praised the role of Qatar in supporting NATO operations in Afghanistan during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah.

The meeting of the Mattis and al-Attiyah was an affirmation of the strategic and security partnership between Washington and Doha, Pentagon spokeswoman Rebecca Rebarich told Al-Hurra, the US-based Arabic TV channel. She said both sides discussed a number of security and military issues that included fighting terrorism and counteracting the activities of ISIS, and the support of Qatar to NATO mission in Afghanistan.

The US is looking forward to raise the capabilities of Al Udeid Airbase and further develop it. According to Rebarich the Qatari delegation headed by Al-Attiyah, offered Mattis a plan to expand the US airbase in Qatar. “The US side would review the details of the offer and talks between the two parties could result into agreement on the issue”, she added.