(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
A joint statement was issued Tuesday by the Ministry of Interior of Qatar and the US Department of Homeland Security, concerning FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 security.
The statement said that, based on the long-term relationship between Qatar's Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani received US Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans Robert Silvers to discuss common security priorities and reaffirm their shared commitment to expand cooperation to enhance the security of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. They also affirmed a joint commitment to bilateral action to enhance event security in Qatar, port security, inspections, prevention of smuggling , and risk management capabilities.
HE Sheikh Khalid and Silvers discussed ongoing security cooperation between the US Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Interior, including information exchange, operational support for passenger screening, and airport and aviation security, as these efforts form the cornerstone of a deeper cooperation to secure the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. HE the prime minister and under secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans affirmed the commitment of the two parties to establish multiple partnerships to expand related cooperation, as follows:
First: Robert Silvers pledged that the US Department of Homeland Security will partner with the Ministry of Interior to provide additional technical support and security training in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The Transportation Security Administration committed to providing support in passengers screening, baggage checking, internal risk management, and other priorities related to security. It will also host a Qatari delegation in one of the American airports to exchange best practices in the field of airport safety and security. It will also provide technical support for Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and support it with personnel to strengthen the joint operation center which will provide daily screening, inspection, and operational support to Qatar's airports during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. These efforts are based on the existing support from the Transportation Security Administration to the Ministry of Interior, which includes inspections and assessments of operations and facilities to ensure the security of Hamad International Airport.
US Customs and Border Protection agency committed to provide support for passenger and cargo inspections and screening, automated targeting system, risk management, detection of fraudulent documents, and interception of air freight, passengers and seaports. It will also host a Qatari delegation at the National Targeting Center and expand information sharing to improve the detection of suspicious travelers and fraudulent visas.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations department commits to provide training in cyber safety and contraband investigations.
US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency committed to provide resources related to security infrastructure.
Second: HE Under Secretary Robert Silvers and Under Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdul Aziz bin Faisal al-Thani signed a memorandum of cooperation to establish a joint security programme between US Customs and Border Protection and the Ministry of Interior and under the joint action plan, the US Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Interior commit to partnership to identify air travelers associated with terrorism, smuggling drugs, weapons, currency, and people. Joint security programme officers will also work on enhancing the security of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by detecting watch-listed passengers and monitoring potential security risks at Hamad International Airport.
Third: Under Secretary Robert Silvers and HE National Cybersecurity Agency Chairman Abdulrahman bin Ali al-Farahid al-Malki signed a joint letter of intent on cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, which will enhance cooperation between the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Agency in cybersecurity policies and strategy, information exchange, advisory services, and human capital development.
Fourth: HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid and Silvers affirmed the commitment to cooperate in combating threats from unmanned aircraft systems, and that the US Department of Homeland Security will commit to provide training courses and best practices in these systems to help secure the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
In concluding their statement, the Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security said they were looking forward to strengthening their partnership and cooperation in vital security issues, including securing the first FIFA World Cup in the Arab world. (QNA)
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