UK Defence Secretary John Healey has emphasised that the United Kingdom and Qatar enjoy strong and enduring friendly relations, noting that they work together to protect their countries and support peace and stability in the Middle East.

In remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), he noted that the depth and strength of relations between the two countries is evident in a number of examples, particularly the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Air Squadron.

In this context, Healey indicated that this joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Air Squadron is the UK's first and only joint squadron since World War II.