WIREDGOV

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon recently met with his Qatari counterpart to discuss regional issues, including the need to counter terrorism.

Mr Fallon hosted Qatar’s Minister for Defence Affairs His Excellency Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah in London to reaffirm the commitment to tackling terrorism, including in Iraq, Syria and Libya, as well as joint training between the UK and Qatar.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

Qatar is one of our most important allies in the region and, as we stand together to defeat Daesh and other violent extremists, it is important to reaffirm our strong and growing ties.

Defence is at the cornerstone of the UK’s relationship with Qatar with Mr Fallon signing a new Defence Cooperation Arrangement (DCA) to enable closer coordination on military training and exercises earlier this year.

The Defence Secretary also visited Qatar, during which he attended the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, and announced that the UK would lead the Gulf-based Combined Task Force (CTF150), which aims to tackle terrorism and disrupt smuggling in the region.

Additionally Mr Fallon announced the creation of a new Deputy Defence Attaché role in Qatar, which will ensure strong and continued Defence engagement.

The meeting comes as Michael Fallon prepares to travel to the US to meet with counterparts from the global counter-Dash coalition, including His Excellency Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, next week to review progress.