DOHA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Qatar is preparing to announce a new regional defense partnership aimed at strengthening its military capabilities, particularly in air defense, counter-drone systems and cybersecurity, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Monday.
Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha, the minister said Qatar had conducted a defense review last year that identified air defense, counter-drone capabilities, cybersecurity and electronic warfare as key priorities.
The minister said Qatar would soon announce a new partnership with a regional partner to launch initiatives aimed at developing capabilities in these priority areas and other defense fields.
He said Qatar was also cooperating with international partners, including the United States, Britain and France, to support local defense production and investment in defense-related companies.
Sheikh Saoud also announced plans to establish a defense hub in Qatar, saying further details would be unveiled soon. ■
