WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday thanked the ruler of Qatar for "action to counter terrorism and extremism in all forms," the White House said.

"President Trump reiterated his support for a strong, united Gulf Cooperation Council that is focused on countering regional threats," the White House said in a statement outlining the call between Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

"The leaders discussed areas in which the United States and Qatar can partner to bring more stability to the region, counter malign Iranian influence, and defeat terrorism," it said.

(Reporting by Tim Ahmann; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) ((tim.ahmann@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202 898-8370; Reuters Messaging: tim.ahmann.reuters.com@reuters.net))