Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (photo) on Wednesday witnessed the departure ceremony of the Qatari Security Forces for France to participate in securing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which will be held from July 26 to August 11.
This participation reflects the strength of the growing strategic partnership between Qatar and France, especially in the security fields, and comes within the framework of an administrative agreement on security cooperation that was signed between the two countries last February.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories of France Gerald Darmanin, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
Earlier, HE Sheikh Khalifa met with the Qatari Security Force and emphasized that Qatari national cadres have gained global recognition, especially following Qatar’s outstanding success in hosting various international events to the highest security standards.
He conveyed greetings and directives from His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his directives that their mission in France is an extension of their responsibilities in Qatar, therefore, they have to perform their duties impeccably to ensure security and cooperation with all parties, representing not only Qatar but also the Arab and Islamic worlds.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the final preparations of the Qatari Security Force for the event, which fall under the administrative agreement on security cooperation between the State of Qatar and the French Republic.
He listened to detailed explanations from the leaders of the teams and specialized units regarding the specific tasks the force will undertake, according to the established plans and arrangements for the participation of the Qatari Security Forces in securing the event, in coordination with the organizing committee and related committees.
The Qatari Security Forces will contribute to the security operations with teams representing specialized units such as the special unit (Lfdaweia), personal protection unit, tracking unit, explosives disposal unit, cybersecurity unit, security patrols, mounted patrols, anti-drone teams, planning teams, logistics teams, airport security teams, as well as the Command and Control Center and the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC).
This participation reflects the robust and growing strategic partnership between Qatar and France, particularly in security fields.
Notably, the Qatari Security Forces completed a special training programme for the Paris 2024 Olympics security mission, which lasted three weeks and included various training courses, workshops, and case studies of real events and situations from previous Olympic Games hosted in France and other countries, to derive valuable lessons.
