A “great confidence” has been voiced by the senior US military commander for the Middle East that Qatar will host a secure FIFA World Cup in 2022.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander H E General Michael Kurilla stated, “We have high confidence in the capacity of the Qatar Armed Forces to safely conduct the World Cup.”
General Kurilla also spoke about the military, security, and defense strategic partnership between Qatar and the US in an email interview with The Peninsula when he was in Qatar. “The US and Qatar have good relations. For the US, Qatar, and the region as a whole, this strategic cooperation is of utmost importance.
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“Today, we share a vision for security the region that continues and — in light of today’s complex threats — is more important than ever,” he said, adding that Qatar-US military relations date back more than 50 years, even before the CENTCOM was formed.
General Kurilla said President Joe Biden personally designating Qatar as a major non-NATO Ally makes it is clear that the present US administration values relations with Qatar.
“We in CENTCOM see the great value in our military partnership with the Qatar Armed Forces. We must rely on this ironclad relationship for regional security,” he said.
He said that US “values tremendously” the military partnership with Qatar. “Our strategic approach is summarized by three words: People, Partners, and Innovation. We must rely on our strong military partners in the region such as the Qatar Armed Forces, for security and stability in the region. No Nation can go it alone, and no one can solve the region’s complex problems alone. We are committed to strengthening our partnership with our Qatari partners,” said General Kurilla.
He said there were “many opportunities ahead” for Qatar-US defence partnership. “We have many training exercises throughout the year with the Qatar Armed Forces. These exercises allow both nations to focus on border security, air defense, and air-to-ground integration,” he said.
“The US military and the Qatar Armed Forces want the same things: resolution of conflict, regional stability, the defeat of violent extremist organizations, and the de-escalation of tensions throughout the region.”
