Qatar, Nato lay foundation of military ties

Brussels: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday met here with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. During the meeting, they discussed the cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and the European Commission and means of enhancing them in all fields. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. 

H H the Emir also met with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg and senior Nato officials.

The meeting reviewed the relations between Qatar and Nato and the future of their joint cooperation, especially on military and security issues. The two sides also exchanged views and consultations on the current political developments and the challenges facing the region and the world as a whole and the promotion of international peace and security.

H H the Emir and the Nato Secretary-General witnessed the signing of an agreement on cooperation in military and security issues. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani , and Deputy Secretary-General of Nato Rose Gottemoeller. 

The Nato Secretary-General thanked H H the Emir for the role of the State of Qatar and its efforts in the fight against terrorism and its cooperation with Nato in this area, especially through Al Udeid Air Base.

H H the Emir and Secretary General of the Nato, Jens Stoltenberg witnessed the signing of an agreement on cooperation in military and security issues between the Government of the State of Qatar, represented by the Qatari Armed Forces and Nato, at Nato headquarters in Brussels yesterday evening.

The meeting reviewed the ways to support and develop the cooperation between the State of Qatar and the EU in different fields.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E  Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Deputy Secretary-General of Nato Rose Gottemoeller. The signing was attended by members of the accompanying official delegation a number of senior military officials from both sides. 

H H the Emir tweeted from Brussels and after signing the agreement with Nato, saying: “Qatar and Nato have laid the foundations of military cooperation. The agreement signed by the two sides today is one of the strategic significance that will help better respond to peace and security challenges regionally and world-wide.”

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, at the European Commission headquarters at Brussels.

H H the Emir also met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, at the European Commission headquarters at Brussels. The meeting reviewed the ways to support and develop the cooperation between Qatar and the European Union in different fields. In addition, the meeting exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and urgent international issues, especially those related to immigration and refugees. 

The meeting also discussed terrorism and the methods to combat it and its financing. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thanialso witnessed the signing of cooperation arrangements between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European External Action of the European Union, held at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. 

The cooperation arrangements were signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foriegn Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. 

Meanwhile, H H the Emir arrived in Sofia on a state visit to the Republic of Bulgaria. 

Upon arrival at Sofia International Airport, H H the Emir and the accompanying delegation were greeted by Minister of State and Director of the Office of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ivo Khristov, a number of senior Bulgarian officials, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Bulgaria Rashid bin Ali Al Khater, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Qatar Metin Kazak, and members of the Qatari Embassy.