The UK has strengthened its historic defence partnership with
Qatar across land and air today following agreements signed
during the state visit of the Amir of Qatar.
Qatar is one of the UK's closest partners in the Gulf region, and
one of the first places that Defence Secretary MP visited after his
appointment in July.
Today, the Amir of Qatar and the Defence Secretary discussed the
shared commitment to deepen cooperation in support of regional
security and to support growth and prosperity. The agreements
signed include extending and expanding collaboration and
knowledge sharing across the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon and Hawk
aircraft squadrons.
Two Typhoon jets from 12 Squadron – the joint UK-Qatar unit –
intercepted the Amir's aircraft as it entered UK airspace on
Monday (2 December). The Amir and the Sheika's flight was
welcomed by a radio message in Arabic from a Qatari Joint
Squadron pilot.
Defence Secretary MP said:
It was an honour to host the Amir of Qatar at Sandhurst today, to
further strengthen our unique partnership and bolster the
security of both our nations.
Our joint Typhoon and Hawk squadrons and training Qatari cadets
in the UK underlines our shared commitment and cooperation to
global security and stability.
Agreements were signed during a visit to Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst by the Amir of Qatar and Defence Secretary . The Amir, who graduated from
Sandhurst, met with some of those he trained alongside, as well
as Qatari cadets currently training, and members of the UK-Qatar
Joint Typhoon squadron. The Amir and Defence Secretary also
witnessed a fly-past by RAF Typhoon and Hawk jets on the
Sandhurst parade ground.
Among the agreements signed during the visit was a Memorandum of
Understanding that will see UK Royal Military police share their
skills and expertise with the Close Protection Unit to the Qatar
Amiri Guard.
The UK is committed to working with allies and partners in the
Middle East to support regional stability which helps support
security and prosperity in the UK.
The joint UK-Qatari Typhoon Air Squadron is the UK's first Joint
Squadron since the Second World War demonstrating the depth and
strength of our historical partnership. The Squadron is based at
RAF Coningsby and has been deployed to Qatar, with UK and Qatari
pilots and ground crew training and operating together.
