LOC21:41
18:41 GMT
WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (KUNA) - US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Tina Kaidanow will travel to Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and Israel next week for discussions on a variety of international security issues, it was announced Friday.
The Department of State said in a statement in Qatar, Kaidanow will consult with senior civilian and military officials, as well as US military leaders from United States Central Command.
"The US-Qatar security relationship is critical to achieving shared security objectives in the region, and we value Qatar's contributions to facilitating US military operations and contingency planning throughout the region," it affirmed.
According to the statement, in Kuwait, Kaidanow will hold talks with senior civilian and military officials "focused on expanding longstanding partnerships in military preparedness, arms transfers, maritime security, and counterterrorism capability building."
It affirmed that Kuwait is "a major regional security partner, which has demonstrated its commitment to building its defense capabilities."
In Iraq, the US official will meet with senior officials to continue progress toward defeating the so-called Islamic State (IS).
It noted that US security cooperation activities "are increasing the Iraqi Security Forces' capability to respond to threats and conduct counter-terrorism operations, while supporting the long-term development of a modern, accountable, and professional Iraqi military capable of defending Iraq and its borders."
It added that talks will also cover "continuing US support for the clearance of improvised explosive devices and unexploded munitions in Iraqi territories liberated from (IS)."
Kaidanow will meet with senior officials in Israel "to discuss a wide range of political-military issues, including regional strategic priorities, defense trade, and military-to-military cooperation." (end)
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