Joint military drills cement Qatar-South Korea partnership

The ongoing joint military exercises between Qatar and South Korea represent a significant leap forward in defence co-operation and a powerful symbol of strengthening regional stability, according to South Korean ambassador Hyunsoo Yun.

Speaking at a reception on Sunday on-board the Korean Navy landing ship tank, 'Nojeok-bong,' docked at Old Doha Port, the envoy lauded the staging of the two-week exercise, which began on October 14, describing it as a milestone in the growing comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

He said this military drills mark the first time South Korea deployed troops and military equipment – including 100 soldiers, Black Panther tanks, and K9 Thunder Howitzers – for joint exercises abroad.

According to Hyunsoo, the drills, involving the Korean army and Navy alongside the Qatari Land and Naval Forces, include live-fire maneuvers and collaborative equipment maintenance training tailoured to the harsh desert environment.

“Soldiers from both countries are conducting intensive training, sharing best practices in the challenging desert conditions,” he said, highlighting the dedication and team spirit of both our militaries. “The friendships forged during these exercises will serve as a strong foundation for lasting ties between our nations”.

Hyunsoo stressed the symbolic significance of the joint exercise, occurring in the year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and just one year after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to Qatar, which elevated the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The envoy underlined the exercises as a prime example of this enhanced co-operation, anticipating even greater defence and security co-operation in the future.

“This joint exercise is not only a demonstration of our strong partnership but also a showcase for the cutting-edge capabilities of Korean defence equipment,” Hyunsoo said, noting that the performance of these systems proves their reliability and effectiveness in the global market, offering reliable solutions to modern defence needs.

The envoy also underscored the shared commitment of both nations to regional and global peace and stability. He cited South Korea’s Global Pivotal State (GPS) vision and Qatar’s active role as a mediator in resolving regional conflicts as complementary initiatives.

“Qatar’s diplomatic acumen and its ability to bridge divides in the Middle East are truly remarkable. I believe the synergy between Korea’s GPS vision and Qatar’s diplomatic initiatives will significantly contribute to global peace and stability,” Hyunsoo said.

Nojeok-bong Commanding Officer Sang Hyun Kim reiterated the commitment to the partnership, noting the ship’s three-week, 12,000km journey to Doha: “We are conducting various exercises, including combined exercise and combat fire. We hope to strengthen the Korean-Qatari military co-operation through this combined exercise,” he said.