Qatar in $12bn deal with US for buying F-15 jets

Qatar signed yesterday an agreement with the United States for the purchase of F-15 fighter jets, at an initial cost of $12bn.HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah signed the agreement in Washington with US Secretary of Defence James Mattis.Speaking to QNA, HE Dr al-Attiyah said the agreement underscores the “longstanding commitment of the State of Qatar in jointly working with our friends and allies in the United States in advancing our military co-operation for closer strategic collaboration in our fight to counter violent extremism and promote peace and stability in our region and beyond.”The minister added that the purchase agreement will directly contribute in the creation of 60,000 new jobs in 42 states across the United States.“We believe that this agreement will propel Qatar’s ability to provide for its own security while also reducing the burden placed upon the United States military in conducting operations against violent extremism,” he said.“Qatar and the United States have solidified their military co-operation by having fought together side by side for many years now in an effort to eradicate terrorism and promote a future of dignity and prosperity,” he added.HE Dr al-Attiyah noted that the signing of the agreement is “yet another step in advancing our strategic and co-operative defense relationship with the US and we look forward to continuing our joint military efforts with our partners here in the US.”