国际英语新闻:Pompeo speaks over phone with Qatari deputy PM on ties, regional issues

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke over phone with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Wednesday over bilateral ties and regional issues, said the U.S. State Department.

The two sides discussed recent regional developments, U.S.-Qatar bilateral relations, and Iran's "destabilizing behavior" in the region, the department said in a statement.

The two also discussed the importance of Gulf unity as a critical element to regional stability, it added.

During their talks, Pompeo thanked Qatar's efforts including hosting peace talks to end the war in Afghanistan.

Pompeo said Tuesday that Washington was preparing to sign a deal with Afghan Taliban "on or about Feb. 29" only after successful implementation of the weeklong violence reduction beginning Feb. 22 in Afghanistan.

The signing ceremony of the U.S.-Taliban pact could be held in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, media reports said.