Trump to host emir of Qatar after he accused it of funding terrorism

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump will be at the White House on Tuesday to discuss security and economic issues.

President Donald Trump is hosting the ruling emir of Qatar, the tiny gas-rich nation he once accused of funding terrorism.

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis (Left) and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Pentagon on Monday. (AFP Photo)

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will be at the White House on Tuesday. White House officials say they’ll discuss strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

Last summer, Trump took the side of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries in their ongoing diplomatic crisis with Qatar. He said Qatar had historically supported terror groups at a “high level.” Qatar denies that charge but has taken steps to address US concerns.

In a phone call last week, Trump credited the emir with working to counter terror financing and extremism. The White House says they also discussed concerns about Iran and the need to resolve the Gulf crisis.