The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Mr. Thabet Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi, visited the State of Qatar on Monday, at the head of a high-level security delegation, on the first of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX 2026).
The visit comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries and discussing ways to develop joint cooperation in the military and defense fields.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding in the military field was signed between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the Qatari Ministry of Defense. The memorandum aims to enhance cooperation, exchange expertise, and develop areas of training and military coordination in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the Iraqi side by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Thabet Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi, and on the Qatari side by His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs.
This visit comes as part of the two countries’ keenness to strengthen relations and enhance defense cooperation, contributing to supporting security and stability in the region, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s Deputy Army Chief of Staff for Operations visited the United Arab Emirates, on behalf of the Army Chief of Staff, to participate in the UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions held in Abu Dhabi from 20-22 January 2026.
During the visit, the Deputy Army Chief of Staff for Operations met with the Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Issa bin Abplan Al-Mazrouei. The meeting focused on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in military training, knowledge exchange, and providing advisory support across various aspects of the Armed Forces.
Both sides emphasized the importance of developing military cooperation to strengthen the operational and training capabilities of the armed forces in both countries, advancing mutual interests, and promoting security and stability in the region. (Iraq’s Ministry of Defense; Photo © QNA)
