Qatar Emir, Obama to meet at White House on Thursday

US President Barack Obama will meet the Emir of Qatar at the White House on Thursday, Reuters has reported.

Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is an influential Arab supporter on Libya and a key ally in a region that has been jolted by popular unrest.

Obama’s national security adviser Tom Donilon has already met with officials in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“The President looks forward to discussing a range of issues with the Emir, including the recent developments in the Middle East and Qatar’s leadership in the international effort to protect Libyan civilians,” the White House said on Sunday.