UK lauds Qatar steps on terror, extremism

The UK has lauded the steps Qatar has taken in the fight against terrorism and extremism, British ambassador Ajay Sharma has said.“Such fight is really an important element of our relationship and we are pleased with the steps that the country has taken and the progress that we are making with Qatar,” the envoy told a press conference yesterday.The UK, he stressed, vowed to work with Qatar on future steps and measures to combat terrorism and extremism.The US State Department also earlier stressed that the country has taken very strong steps in recent months to assist the international community and the US in their campaign against IS, Al Qaeda and other transnational terrorist groups.“We see Qatar as a friend and ally in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” Sharma said. “We have worked very closely with Qatar on this agenda and we continue to work closely with our experts and with our officials.”He noted that they also received a huge support from the political level — from HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, and especially from His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.“The Emir set the overall direction very positive about doing more with the UK on counter terrorism and counter extremism activities,” the envoy pointed out.Sharma hopes they will formalise soon the co-operation between Qatar and the UK their counter terrorism efforts.The two countries also established a joint Qatar-UK operational squadron (JOS) last year as part of strengthening military ties.The squadron, which will play a vital role in securing the skies during the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will include joint operations and training squadron, and an electronic warfare system through continuous co-operation between the two countries.JOS, a unique squadron in the region, is considered the nucleus of future joint operations between Qatar Emiri Air Force and Royal Air Force.