President Joe Biden and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will huddle on Monday to discuss a broad agenda including energy security in the aftermath of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. officials said.
Qatar is the world’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and may divert supplies to Europe if the Ukraine conflict disrupts Russian gas deliveries to the continent.
Biden’s agenda for the Oval Office meeting will also include the Iran nuclear talks and relations with Afghanistan, where Washington’s interests are now represented by the small Gulf country.
Tamim will also meet separately with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and discuss arms sales and other military issues with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, an official told reporters.