US showcases latest innovations in defence, security at Dimdex

The US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) and accompanying Mark VI patrol boats have arrived in Qatar for the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex).

Dimdex provides a forum for both the US and Qatar to discuss how the two countries are leveraging the latest in military technology to accomplish shared security objectives in the region, according to a statement from the US embassy in Qatar. While speaking at the US Pavilion at Dimdex on Monday US embassy chargé d’affaires Ryan Gliha said, “Qatar and the US enjoy a close partnership and shared responsibility in bolstering security in the region and beyond. Qatar is one of the US’ top customers for US defence procurement, with over $24bn in US foreign military sales purchases over the last four years, including the June 2017 sale of 36 F-15 fighters for $12.4bn. My team at the embassy looks forward to supporting our two countries’ deepening relationship in the areas of defence, commerce, and investment.” At the pavilion, the US exhibitors are showcasing the latest American innovations in defence and security platforms. “US participation in Dimdex comes just weeks after the US hosted the first US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC, where the two governments issued a joint declaration on security co-operation, affirming the two countries’ joint commitment to promoting peace and stability and countering the scourge of terrorism. 

Some of the US ships which have come for Dimdex at the Hamad Port."This year marks a special turning point in our relationship with Qatar as we have elevated our bilateral relations with the launch of the first bilateral strategic dialogue in Washington, DC in January. This strategic dialogue was chaired by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defence James Mattis, and attended with our secretaries of Treasury, Energy and Commerce, all of whom engaged in face-to-face talks with their direct Qatari counterparts in the Qatari Council of Ministers," said Gilha.Among the many strategic outcomes of the dialogue was the decision of both governments to issue a Joint Declaration on Security Co-operation, affirming our two countries’ joint commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and countering the scourge of terrorism.The US embassy is looking to build upon that momentum through events like Dimdex where we can continue forging mutually beneficial defence, commercial, and investment relationships between the US and Qatar. Qatartarget="_blank"'>