London: Andreas Krieg, a professor at the Department of Security Studies at King’s College London, emphasized the importance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as a reflection of the depth and strength of the bilateral relations between Qatar and the UK.
According to Qatar News Agency, Krieg elaborated that the ties between Qatar and the UK have evolved significantly, moving beyond traditional economic and investment focuses to encompass a wide range of cooperative areas. These include diplomacy, politics, culture, history, and robust military collaborations. He highlighted that this visit marks a new phase in the bilateral relationship, with Qatar emerging as the UK’s most reliable ally in the region across all areas of cooperation.
Krieg underlined the crucial role of Qatar’s diplomatic influence in British foreign and security policy, citing the strong alignment of mutual interests between the two nations. He noted Qatar’s key role as a mediator in
regional and international crises, stating that the country’s diplomatic efforts have been vital in resolving numerous global conflicts. “British foreign policy always needs reliable partners for mediation, and Qatar is one of the most vital of those partners,” Krieg remarked.
Discussing the strategic relationship and the significance of the Amir’s visit, Krieg pointed to the growing security partnership, particularly in military cooperation. He mentioned the unique relationship between the Royal Air Force and the Qatari Air Force, which features a joint squadron-the only one of its kind in the UK with a non-NATO member state since World War II. Krieg expressed optimism about further deepening these ties through potential future partnerships involving the armed forces and navies of both countries.
Krieg also highlighted the UK’s significant contribution to security preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, underscoring the collaboration in ensuring event security and public safety. He noted that the U
K is one of Qatar’s most important partners, with cooperation extending to education, training, capacity building, and competency development.
On the broader strategic dialogue between the two nations, Krieg identified numerous areas ripe for progress, reflecting untapped opportunities. He emphasized that the strategic dialogue is not limited to official meetings but is built on deep trust and close relationships between ministers from both countries.
In concluding his interview with QNA, Krieg reiterated that the strategic dialogue transcends foreign and security policies, expanding into energy, climate change, and cultural exchanges. He stated, “There is profound trust and mutual understanding, fostering greater integration between London and Doha. This dialogue serves as the platform under which a wealth of commercial and cultural initiatives can flourish.”