Qatar is Looking Forward to Further Cooperation in Various Fields

 

Defence Turkey: General, first of all thank you very much for this interview. Qatar has obviously taken some fundamental steps during recent years, both on national and international levels. Could you give us some information on the achievements and developments accomplished in Qatar army?

At the outset I would like to express how I am so delighted to be among my brothers in the Republic of Turkey, which is our close friendly country, and the extent of my gratitude for the hospitality and the very warm welcome reception of our Turkish brothers. As you know, the state of Qatar has witnessed a great development during the recent years in all areas and has made great achievements both at the domestic and international levels. Moreover, the economy of our state is powerful and the investments keep ongoing in order to reflect the civilized side of our country, and the visitors in recent years have noticed this development and the great change that has been achieved. And of course there is a development occurred in the army side as well. There is no doubt that the cooperation agreements and the exchange of experience and training that we hold with friendly countries, particularly with the Republic of Turkey, contributes significantly to this development.

Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us about the structure of Qatar army?

As it is the case with most countries, the Qatari Armed Forces consist of the formations and units of land, marine and air. They are of course linked to the General Command of Land Forces, Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and Emiri Air Forces. Also the General Command of the Armed Forces is linked to the Ministry of National Defense. His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Supreme, is the General Commander of the Qatari Armed Forces. There is also the Qatari military college, Ahmad Bin Mohammad in which the Qatari military staff is brought up and the study lasts for four years where students receive a bachelor’s degree and graduate with a lieutenant rank. And as I have mentioned previously that the evolution has included all areas within the state, included the Qatari Armed Forces, and we in the Qatar Armed Forces seek to be developed, educated, well trained and to access to the latest technologies.

Defence Turkey: How do you assess Qatar and Turkey military cooperation and activities?

As you know, the state of Qatar has strong and solid relationships with the Republic of Turkey and at the highest levels. I would not tell a secret when I say that we achieved all of this under the guidance of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces H.H the Emir who stressed on the importance of strengthening the bonds of our relationships with our brothers in the Republic of Turkey and especially in the military cooperation areas. We in the Qatari Armed Forces are seeking to strength those ties with our brothers in the Turkish Armed Forces in all military areas, and by the grace of God and during a short period of time we have accomplished great achievements in this area as in this visit in which a convention was signed in the field of military training and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of military industry between the two governments. This was the most important outcome as a result of the tireless efforts that we started from the date 23/05/2007 when the agreement of cooperation in the areas of military – related training and technical and science was signed between the two sides.

I feel hope and confidence about the continuation of this cooperation as long as we and the Turkish brothers are determined to move forward in a achieving prosperity, peace and security in the region .

Defence Turkey: Could you inform us about the officers exchange programs carried out and be planned between 2 countries?

With regard to officers exchange programs, and by the grace of God a military attaché was appointed in the Republic of Turkey two years ago. Also we participated in many exercises and training programs and the convention on cooperation in military training, which was signed recently will open up a wider range of scholarships in various programs as well as to participate in various military exercises. In this regard, our officers are involved in training sessions long time ago in the fight against terrorism and human trafficking organized by the counterterrorism center of the Presidency of the General Staff of the Republic of Turkey. There are also the mutual visits and participations between the officers at all levels in exercises, maneuvers and international military exhibitions be held in both countries. For example, eagle falcon exercises and the international maritime defense exhibition (DIMDEX) held in Qatar.

Defence Turkey: In IDEF 2011, the Ministry of Defense of Qatar and Undersecretariat for Defense Industries of Turkey signed a MoU. This MoU is focused on improvement of bilateral cooperation in defense and homeland security and procurement of defense systems from Turkish companies by Qatar and technology transfer to Qatar. Since that time could you please inform us about the developments and achievements realized by 2 countries?

Regarding the MoU that was signed during the international exhibition of defense industry- 2011, I emphasize that most of the items which are contained in that note have been completed.

Defence Turkey: How do you assess the activities and plans for the joint investment, joint production and mutual cooperation for the third countries?

After signing the MoU on cooperating in the field of defense industries, we will develop plans for investment between the two countries and we already have started to study some investment projects with some companies and discuss the policy of production and distribution.

Defence Turkey. Milgem is an important milestone in Turkish naval capabilities and technology. Within the gained expertise, Turkish RMK, Aselsan, Havelsan and STM industrial team is interested in C-1600 corvette for the Qatari naval forces requirements. How do you assess Turkey’s presence and position in this program?

After watching the ship corvette type (Milgem) with my friend, Deputy Turkish Defense Minister Mr. Kemal Yardımcı , I have directed the head committee of the navy projects to engage the Turkish company (RMK) in the project (corvette) as a competitor that provides its technical presentation and this project is still under study .

Defence Turkey: Yonca- Onuk has recently signed a contract to deliver t3 Onuk MRTP34 fast patrol/attack crafts and 3 Onuk MRTP16 fast intervention crafts to the Qatar Armed Forces. Could you please enlighten us about the program being carried out with Yonca- Onuk?

Yes, we have signed a contract to procure six (6) of the boats of the company (Yonca- Onuk). Those boats will be received at the beginning of the year 2013 and we look forward to purchasing more of those types in the future.

Defence Turkey: Qatar and Havelsan have been negotiating on AW 139 simulators. How do you assess the activities and negotiations on this regard?

Yes, we had talks with the Turkish company Havelsan on the simulators AW139 and we have almost finished all of the details and are in the final stages of signing a contract with the company.

Defence Turkey: TAI has strengthened its position by indigenous UAV Anka and Atak helicopter. How do you assess Anka and Atak and opportunities in this regard?

Since the announcement of this aircraft by TAI company, we have been interested in and also followed the developments regarding the production of this aircraft and we have been waiting for the final declaration of its entry into service.

Defence Turkey: Recently, it is known that Dearsan’s Diving Support Vessels attracted the interest of Qatari navy. What are the activities and the status of the negotiations for this vessel?

We received a technical offer of the company (DEARSAN) about the Turkish diving boat, this project is among the future projects of naval forces, and the committee is currently studying and evaluating that offer.

Defence Turkey: Mini UAV agreement signed between Turkish Kale-Baykar and Qatar. Could you please inform us about the developments in this project?

With respect to Mini UAV that has been purchased from the Turkish company Kale- Baykar, I would like to inform that the Qatari Armed Forces have received this aircraft and it is currently in service.

Defence Turkey: Finally, would you like to give any messages to our readers?

I wish the brotherly Turkish Republic and its friendly nation more growth and welfare and we are looking forward to further cooperation in various fields, especially in military field and knowing that the Turkish army is well known with its vast experience and good reputation among the armies of the world, therefore we look forward to benefit from these experiences.

As for the dear readers I hope that I have satisfied them through my answers to your questions that are set up so well, and by the way I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce both the state of Qatar and the Qatar Armed Forces to dear readers.