Qatar and the UK held high-level talks in Doha on defence cooperation and regional security amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met UK Secretary of Defence John Healey in Doha on Tuesday to discuss defense cooperation and regional security developments against the backdrop of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
According to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, particularly in the field of defense.
The talks also covered recent regional developments, including the ongoing military escalation and its broader impact on regional and international security and stability.
Both sides stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed warned against “unjustified Iranian attacks on Qatar and countries of the region” and cautioned against the “irresponsible targeting of vital infrastructure,” particularly water, food, and energy facilities.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen coordination, intensify joint efforts, return to dialogue, and prioritise reason to contain the crisis, noting that such efforts are key to ensuring global energy security, freedom of navigation, environmental safety, and regional stability.
The meeting took place during Healey’s official visit to Qatar, which included a series of engagements with senior leadership.
Healey also met Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with talks focusing on bilateral relations, particularly in defence, and ways to enhance military cooperation and address shared security challenges.
The Amir and the UK defence secretary also discussed regional developments amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East, according to Qatar News Agency.
Separately, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks with Healey, reviewing the broader security situation and ongoing regional developments, alongside defence cooperation and joint coordination efforts.
Senior military officials from both countries attended the meetings, reflecting continued engagement between Qatar and the United Kingdom on strategic and defence matters.
