The White House on Thursday reiterated its gratitude for Qatar — which has acted as a key mediator in hostage talks — after an apparent leaked recording of Prime Minister Netanyahu calling the country “problematic.”

“Qatar is a key partner in the region. We’re grateful for their support of our continued efforts to try to get hostages out of Gaza and reunited with their families,” John Kirby, National Security Council spokesperson, said in a statement.

In a gaggle with reporters earlier, Kirby declined to comment on the recording and said the US would continue working on a deal to secure the release of hostages.

Brett McGurk, a top White House adviser and Middle East coordinator, was in Doha for talks on Wednesday. And CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to soon meet Qatar’s prime minister — along with Egypt's intelligence director and Israel's Mossad director — as part of continued hostage talks.