Qatar-France relations: Qatari security forces arrive in Paris for 2024 Olympics

Just a handful of days to go until the Olympic Games kick off in Paris this month, the Qatari security forces arrived on July 12 in the French capital to participate in securing the major sporting event, underscoring the vital nature of Qatar-France relations.

This participation reflects the strength of the strategic partnership both countries share, especially in the security fields, and comes within the framework of an administrative agreement on security cooperation that Qatar and France signed last February.

Qatar’s success in hosting major international events

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Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, the Qatari Interior Minister and Commander of the Internal Security Force, recently conveyed an important message from the Amir to the national security personnel participating in securing the Paris Olympics.

“His Highness’ directives to you and your mission and responsibility in Paris are equivalent to your duties that you carry out today in Qatar to maintain security,” the interior minister told attendees during the meeting on Tuesday.

Various specialised units are participating in the Olympic Games, including the Special Forces Unit, the Personal Protection Group, the Explosive Ordnance Group and the Cyber Security Unit, besides airport security teams and counter-drone teams.

Sheikh Khalifa highlighted during the meeting that all attendees should utilise the expertise gained over the years, particularly in light of Qatar’s success in hosting numerous international events to the highest security standards.

Sheikh Khalifa reviews final preparations of security forces

The Qatari forces have completed a specialised training program to prepare for the Paris Olympics. The program included training courses, workshops and case studies based on real events and situations faced by France and countries that hosted previous Games.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Qatari interior minister stressed the importance of the attendees’ role in maintaining security and cooperating with everyone, noting that they represent not only Qatar but also the Arab and Islamic nation, in France.