Blinken discusses transit of US citizens from Afghanistan with Qatar's Emir

Qatar's ruling Emir and the visiting USsecretaries of state and defense discussed developments inAfghanistanand efforts to enhance security there, the Emir's court said on Monday.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thanireceived USSecretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin after their arrival in Doha earlier in the day.

Also Read:Four Americans leave Afghanistan by land; US diplomats receive nationals

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The visit came as Washington sought support for the evacuation of Americans and "at-risk" Afghans left behind inAfghanistanafter the Taliban takeover and for building a consensus among allies on how to respond to the Taliban.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Blinken and Austin thanked al-Thani "for Qatar’s extraordinary support in facilitating the safe transit of UScitizens, our partners, and other Afghans at-risk."

Price added they discussed other "bilateral issues and initiatives to promote regional security and prosperity."