(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah met with UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson. During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in defence and military fields.
The meeting also witnessed the signing of an agreement for building up a Joint Operational Squadron (JOS), which includes the joint operations and training squadron, and an electronic warfare system through continuous joint cooperation between the two countries.
JOS is a unique squadron in the region, and is considered the nucleus of future joint operations between QEAF and RAF. The squadron tackles all air combat operations, ensuring combat readiness for all Qatari and British pilots and technicians. It will have a notable role in operational coverage and aerial security during 2022 world cup events.
JOS will ensure ease of future real-time joint operations for both sides, as well as ensuring precision of joint procedures, in light of the two countries' partnership in combating terrorism.
PM and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met with British Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their visit to Doha.
A contract to supply QAF with 24 Typhoon jets was also signed, in addition to the training package agreement. A number of senior QAF officers attended the meeting and the signing ceremony.
Later, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the UK Secretary of State for Defence and the accompanying delegation.
A statement issued by the British Embassy yesterday mentioned that Qatar and the UK signed £6bn contract yesterday under which the UK will supply Qatar with 24 Typhoon aircraft.
The Defence Secretary and his Qatari counterpart, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, oversaw the signing of the deal for 24 Typhoons, building on the Statement of Intent signed in September the statement stressed.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: '‘It is a great pleasure to sign our biggest export deal for the Typhoon in a decade. These formidable jets will boost the Qatari military's mission to tackle the challenges we both share in the Middle East, supporting stability in the region and delivering security at home.'
The embassy pointed out that the Defence Secretary also agreed a package of training and co-operation between the Air Forces which will see them working together more regularly, including Qatari pilots and ground-crew training in the UK.
The UK and Qatar share a close and longstanding defence relationship, with a joint-exercise between the Royal Air Force and the Emir of Qatar's Air Force just last week seeing Typhoon jets fly over the Arabian Peninsula.
The two countries share mutual interests of countering violent extremism, and ensuring stability in the region, and this purchase will deepen those ties by helping to prevent terrorism from spreading and protecting our prosperity and security at home.
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