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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release June 11, 1997

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

President's Meeting With Amir of Qatar

President Clinton met today with the Amir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The two leaders reviewed the excellent bilateral relationship in its varied aspects, political, economic, commercial, and security.

The President told the Amir we remain committed to maintaining the peace and stability of the Gulf region, explaining our views of the threats posed by Iraq and Iran. He praised the growing strategic partnership between our two countries, which makes a key contribution to regional security, and to the territorial integrity of Qatar and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the achievement of a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region. They agreed on the important role of the Middle East-North Africa Economic Summit process in promoting economic development and building constituencies for peace. They noted with satisfaction the progress of preparations for the 1997 Summit which will be held in Doha November 16-18.

Earlier today, the Amir met with Secretary of Defense Cohen with whom he reviewed bilateral defense issues in greater detail. His Highness will meet with Secretary of State Albright this afternoon, in the course of an intensive working visit that will also include meetings with Congress, Secretary of Commerce Daley and Secretary of Energy Pena.

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