Trump: We have a secure Middle East and it will stay that way for a long time

U.S. President Donald Trump's Air Force One aircraft, en route to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, landed at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar for refueling.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, visited the U.S. President on his plane during the refueling stop. Greeting the Emir of Qatar, Trump said, "He is one of the best leaders, not just in the Middle East, but in the world. It is an honor to have you on my plane."

The U.S. President remarked, "Al Thani is loved and respected by his country. I don't know which is more important; to be loved or to be respected?" Trump asked the Emir of Qatar, Al Thani, "Which do you prefer? You have both love and respect, which is a rare situation."

The U.S. President later said of the Qatari Prime Minister, "He is a friend of mine and a friend of the whole world." Pointing to the Qatari leaders, Trump added, "We have done a lot together, especially over the past year. We brought peace to the Middle East, and they played a huge role in that. We convey our thanks. We now have a secure Middle East, and it will stay that way for a long time. We hope it stays that way for a while longer."

"PEACE MUST BE PERMANENT"

Following the meeting, Trump made statements to the press. The U.S. President noted that Qatar is willing to contribute to an international peacekeeping force expected to be deployed in the Gaza Strip. Regarding the situation in Gaza, Trump also stated, "This peace must be permanent."