Egypt, Qatar to Boost Military Cooperation through Training, Exchange of Expertise

Egypt and Qatar agreed to coordinate efforts to confront challenges in the region. (Egyptian military spokesman)
Egypt and Qatar agreed to coordinate efforts to confront challenges in the region. (Egyptian military spokesman)
TT

Egypt, Qatar to Boost Military Cooperation through Training, Exchange of Expertise

Egypt and Qatar agreed to coordinate efforts to confront challenges in the region. (Egyptian military spokesman)
Egypt and Qatar agreed to coordinate efforts to confront challenges in the region. (Egyptian military spokesman)

Egypt and Qatar are boosting their military cooperation, focusing on joint training and the exchange of expertise. Both countries have agreed to coordinate efforts to address regional challenges.

According to a statement by the Egyptian military spokesperson on Saturday, Egypt’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah during an official visit to Qatar.

The meeting covered several topics of mutual interest and underlined “a shared vision regarding developments and the challenges facing regional security, and the importance of coordinating efforts and working together to tackle these challenges.”

Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been leading mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza. In November 2023, they successfully brokered the first ceasefire, but a second agreement has faced difficulties amid ongoing negotiations.

During the meeting, Qatar’s Chief of Staff expressed his country’s commitment to expanding military cooperation with Egypt in the future.

Since the normalization of relations between Cairo and Doha in 2021, the partnership between the two countries has grown, supported by high-level reciprocal visits.

This renewed cooperation has also positively impacted the economic sector. Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly commended Qatar’s announcement in March 2022 of a $5 billion investment in an interview with Qatar News Agency last year.

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,Dr. Badr Abdelatty also emphasized during his visit to Qatar in late July the “significant transformation in Egyptian-Qatari relations over the past two years, with summit-level visits providing a strong boost across all areas.”

The Chiefs of Staff of Egypt and Qatar also visited the Al-Zaeem Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah Air Academy, where they were briefed on the college’s advanced capabilities and training systems for preparing Qatari pilots using the latest global standards.

Additionally, they visited the National Service Academy where they reviewed the academy’s role and operational system, which adopts scientific methods to prepare and qualify Qatari youth for various functions in national service.

Several senior officials from both the Egyptian and Qatari armed forces participated in the meetings and visits.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
TT

EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.