HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah has affirmed that Qatar is economically strong and plays an important role in the world economy with its huge resources of oil and gas.
However, he noted that attention to the defence dimension is an insurance policy, stressing that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani seeks to support and strengthen Qatar's defence capabilities and stability of the region.
Speaking Wednesday at the Forum on "Returning Foreign Fighters ", HE Dr al-Attiyah said: "Qatar has allies but has never thought of they defending it, as it is capable of defending itself. This is its philosophy and its military doctrine."
On the role of technology in war and combating terrorism, he stressed the importance of this issue, noting that all the equipment and systems that Qatar buys are modern and advanced, including means and systems of cyber defence.
He added that Qatar is doubling its efforts to build its defence capabilities to be ready at any time.
HE al-Attiyah stressed that "the State of Qatar does not care about any threats or where they come from. But it always prepares its people, develops its plans and strategies, and works to be ready to face any threat."
On Qatar being accused of terrorism, he said: "We have faced violent and strange attacks from some countries that started this imaginary charge of terrorism in a desperate attempt to offend Qatar on the international scene, stressing that the State of Qatar has a vision and goals, and that no-one can affect its vision. We must trust in ourselves to achieve the interests of our nation and serve our people."
On how countries deal with their fighters returning from conflict areas, HE al-Attiyah stressed that Qatar has contained, provided rehabilitation, education and then integration.
HE Dr al-Attiyah said that Qatar is doubling its efforts to build its defence capabilities to be ready at any time.
