Department of Homeland Security announced a security cooperation expansion with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to advance important homeland security objectives.
DHS Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers signed security agreements and met with leaders in Qatar as well as confirming DHS' commitment to enhance security for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, according to a July 12 DHS news release. Silvers also met with important officials from the Dubai Police and the Interior Ministry in the United Arab Emirates.
"DHS is proud to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Qatar through new security arrangements that expand our operational collaboration and highlight our support to secure the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," Silvers said in the news release. "The department will also continue to build on its partnerships with the United Arab Emirates across critical security missions."
Silvers and Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani signed several agreements to further cooperation to combat smuggling, identify fake documents and improve border security, the release reported. These agreements include a Memorandum of Cooperation creating a Joint Security Program to identify air travelers related to terrorism and trafficking in illegal goods including drugs, weapons, cash and people, as well as a reaffirmation to construct a program to check visas for authenticity. Additionally, they agreed to work together to combat any dangers posed by unmanned aircraft systems.
