US commander lauds security co-operation with Qatar

Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command and US 5th Fleet Vice Admiral James Malloy has praised the level of military and security relations and co-operation between the United States and Qatar.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of Al Daayen Naval Base Sunday, he said the United States has a long-term relationship with the Qatari Army, Navy and Coast Guard, and they work closely together and look forward to increasing co-ordination and co-operation in the future.He said the two countries co-operate to enhance security and they have common concerns about maritime security in this region. Qatar and the US have the same objectives and tasks and look forward to greater co-operation and they work together at every opportunity as the capacity of the Qatari Navy and Coast Guard grows.Vice Admiral Malloy praised the facilities of the naval base, stressing that it was an important step to improve the Coast Guard's capacity, and "this gives the US more opportunities to collaborate and communicate and to work closely with the Qatari side".