(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fazeena Saleem |
The Peninsula
Doha: Qatar-US defence, security and military strategic partnership is 'critically' important for both countries and the region, said the top US military general for Middle East, noting that the recent major non-NATO Ally status to Qatar, boosts the strength of the partnership.
“This is a critically important strategic partnership for the US, for Qatar, and for the region,” said US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Major General Erik Kurilla.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Major General Kurilla said,“Major non-NATO Ally status codifies the strength and importance of this strategic partnership between the US and Qatar and opens up a full new range of opportunities, including military exercises, operations, and access to technology.”
“This designation is a powerful symbol of the close relationship the United States shares with Qatar. I am committed to strengthening this relationship,” he added.
Major General Kurilla said that Qatar and US militaries share a vision for integrated deterrence to address threats confronting the region and that will continue and even strengthen in the future.
“There are many opportunities ahead for us to build on our collective defence. We have many training exercises throughout the year with the Qatar Armed Forces. These exercises allow both nations to focus on border security, air defence, and air-to-ground integration,” he said.
“The US military and the Qatar Armed Forces want the same things: resolution of conflict, regional stability, the defeat of violent extremist organisations, and the de-escalation of tensions,” he added.
Major General Kurilla said that Qatar – US defence ties dates back to more than 50 years and the militaries of both countries were working together even before the formation of CENTCOM in 1980.
He highlighted Qatar's efforts to facilitate the safe transit of American citizens and at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan.
He also stressed the importance of the Al Udeid base for military, naval and air force exercise.
“Qatar is, of course, home to our forward headquarters here in the region… We are incredibly grateful that Qatar has recognised the important work being accomplished at Al Udeid through their willingness to commit substantial financial resources supporting more than three dozen active construction projects on the shared base,” he said.
Major General Kurilla highlighted the US“strong Foreign Military Sales programme with Qatar,” valued at $9.8bn, which further demonstrates strong US commitment to Qatar.
“So, I am deeply committed to this ironclad relationship. During my visit, I had high-level discussions with the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Salem Al Nabet and his staff. I also met with the Minister of Defence, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah.
'I informed these leaders that I will return many times. I am building relations with the leadership here, and I will demonstrate my commitment to that relationship over the coming months and years,” he said.
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