Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has welcomed a new decade of defence cooperation between Britain and Qatar, saying the two countries will deepen work on security, advanced technology and regional stability.
Streeting met Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in London on Monday as both governments looked to strengthen an already close defence relationship. Qatar’s state news agency said the meeting covered issues of mutual interest and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Following the talks, Streeting said:
“With another decade of UK-Qatar defence cooperation secured, we will continue to work together to keep both our nations safe, develop the latest technology together, and boost regional stability.”
The meeting comes at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East and growing emphasis on Britain’s defence relationships with Gulf partners.
A longstanding strategic partnership
Britain and Qatar already maintain extensive cooperation across defence, security and counter-terrorism.
The two countries work together on military training and have sought to deepen cooperation across land, air and maritime capabilities. British personnel have also maintained a presence at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, while Qatari personnel attend leading UK military academies and RAF students have trained at Qatar’s Al Zaeem Air Academy.
The relationship also has a strong industrial dimension, with the two governments previously committing to greater cooperation between their defence industries and supply chains.
Technology and defence industry cooperation
Streeting’s emphasis on developing new technology together reflects a broader push to strengthen defence-industrial partnerships with allies.
Britain and Qatar have previously agreed to explore closer cooperation in manufacturing, supply chains and defence capabilities, with the aim of supporting both countries’ industries as well as improving military interoperability.
That agenda fits with Labour’s wider effort to use defence investment not only to strengthen national security but to support skilled jobs, research and advanced manufacturing in Britain.
Burnham has praised ‘unique’ UK-Qatar defence ties
Prime Minister Andy Burnham also highlighted the relationship earlier this month during a call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Downing Street said Burnham described the two countries’ defence cooperation as “unique” and said it delivered greater security for both nations. The leaders also discussed the wider instability in the Middle East and the importance of restoring regional security.
The Prime Minister said he wanted the UK-Qatar relationship to continue developing across defence as well as business, investment and clean energy.
Regional stability increasingly important
The latest talks take place against an unpredictable security backdrop in the Gulf.
UK government travel advice continues to warn of the risk of further escalation across the region following recent conflict involving Iran and attacks affecting Qatar and other states.
That makes cooperation on air defence, intelligence, technology and wider regional security increasingly important for both governments.
Streeting: working together to keep both countries safe
Streeting, who became Defence Secretary in July, has overall responsibility for Britain’s defence strategy and relationships with international partners.
His meeting with Sheikh Saoud demonstrates Labour’s determination to maintain and deepen strategic partnerships beyond Europe and NATO as Britain responds to a more unstable international environment.
For Streeting, the message is that Britain’s relationship with Qatar is not simply about defence procurement or military cooperation, but about building a longer-term partnership around security, technology and stability in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
