Qatar has said that its strategic alliance with the United States remains important, but Gulf countries cannot depend on external partners alone for their security.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari made the remarks during a panel at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi on Monday. He discussed lessons from the recent regional conflict and the future of Gulf security.
Qatar Calls for Greater Security Self-Reliance
Al Ansari said Gulf countries need to strengthen their own security capabilities.
He stressed that international forces and strategic partnerships remain important. However, he said they should not become the only basis for regional security.
“We need our partners and allies,” Al Ansari said. He added that Gulf states must also develop greater self-sufficiency in security matters.
According to the Qatari official, the recent conflict showed the limits of relying entirely on outside powers.
He therefore urged Gulf states to build stronger national and regional capabilities while maintaining their existing international partnerships.
US Partnership Remains Important
Al Ansari did not call for an end to Qatar’s strategic relationship with Washington.
Instead, he stressed that Gulf states need both strong alliances and greater self-reliance.
Qatar has maintained close defence ties with the United States. The country also hosts the major US military facility at Al Udeid Air Base.
In March, Al Ansari said Qatar’s strategic defence partnerships remained important after Iranian attacks in the region. He also said Doha wanted to strengthen its defence cooperation with the United States and other partners.
Gulf Security Debate Grows
The comments come as Gulf countries reassess their regional security arrangements following the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Qatar has also called for stronger regional coordination and a security system based on cooperation and international guarantees.
In August, Al Ansari said Gulf states had maintained close coordination during the crisis and were working together to address potential threats.
His latest remarks suggest that Doha sees stronger domestic and regional defence capabilities as an important part of the Gulf’s future security strategy
