The Vice President spoke by phone today with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, to review events in the region and related defense cooperation. The Vice President and the Amir discussed important regional developments, including the dire situation in Syria and the importance of close cooperation to counter violent extremists. Both leaders also underscored the importance of continued dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen joint cooperation between the United States and Qatar.