The exchange of expertise and the strengthening of operational cooperation were the focus of today’s visit by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, to the facilities of the Qatar Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the International Search and Rescue Team.
According to a Ministry of Justice press release, during the visit, which took place in a particularly friendly atmosphere, with open dialogue and a mutual willingness to develop substantive cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries, opportunities were identified for utilising Lekhwiya’s expertise and training infrastructure in various areas of security and emergency response.
As noted, the Minister was briefed on the Force’s organisation, equipment and operational capabilities, with an emphasis on crisis management, responding to serious security incidents and the coordination of the agencies involved.
It is added that a key part of the visit was a presentation of the capabilities of the International Search and Rescue Team, which holds INSARAG’s ‘Heavy’ certification in urban search and rescue and has participated in natural disaster response missions abroad, combining specialist personnel, technical equipment and medical support.
According to the press release, Lekhwiya’s expertise and training capabilities offer prospects for practical cooperation with the Fire Service, particularly the Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK), on matters relating to urban search and rescue and disaster response, while, at the same time, areas of cooperation can be developed with the Mobile Immediate Action Unit (MMAD), including the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit, through specialised training, the exchange of operational experience and joint exercises on counter-terrorism, special operations and crisis management.
The visit comes after Fytiris’ meetings with Qatar’s Minister of the Interior and his visits to the National Command Centre and the General Directorate of Coastal and Border Security, as part of his official visit to the country, the press release concludes.
