Amir attends launch ceremony of Qatar-UK operational squadron

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held on Tuesday a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson and ranking military officials at the Horse Guards in London.The meeting dealt with ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of joint security and defence between the two countries, particularly as the Qatari Amiri Air Force and the UK Royal Air Force launch a Joint Operational Squadron (JOS) which will have a vital role in securing the two countries' skies.They also discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the GCC crisis and its impact on the region. The two sides renewed their call for resolving the crisis through dialogue in order to maintain the region's security and stability.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani  receives the flag of the joint squadron of the Qatari Amiri Air Force and the UK Royal Air ForceThe UK Secretary of State for Defence expressed his thanks to the Amir for the important role Qatar plays in fighting terrorism through Al-Udeid Airbase.The Amir was met upon arrival with a reception ceremony.The meeting was attended by a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir and a number of Qatari military leaders. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended on Tuesday afternoon a ceremony held by the UK Defence Ministry at the Horse Guards in London, on the occasion of the launch of the Joint Operational Squadron, based on an agreement signed between Qatar and the UK in December 2017. During the ceremony, the Amir received the flag of the joint squadron of the Qatari Amiri Air Force and the UK Royal Air Force. The Amir then handed over the flag to the commanders of the joint squadron.The ceremony began with the national anthems of Qatar and the United Kingdom. The Amir then received a guard of honour.The ceremony was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir and a number of Qatari military leaders.