Doha: Qatar and Iran have signed a security pact to enhance cooperation in the fight against organised crime, fraud, human and drug trafficking, the Arabic daily Al Rayah reported on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of State of Interior, and the Iranian Interior Minister Mustafa Mohammad Najjar.
Addressing a press conference after the signing, the Iranian minster said that the two countries have good and stable relations and are keen on improving them in the fields of security, culture, politics and economy.
Tehran is willing to sign similar agreements with other GCC countries, he said, pointing out that Iran has signed agreements with Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and Turkey, and was set to sign an agreement with Pakistan.
“I believe that Iran has to improve its relations with GCC countries and increase cooperation in border protection and provide a secure atmosphere and stability in the region. This security pact sets grounds for such cooperation and for stability,” said Najjar.
The agreement
Qatar and Tehran have agreed to establish a joint committee to meet every year in Tehran and Doha and file reports on the situation to interior ministers.
Addressing the issue of whether Iran is ready to face any American threats and attacks, Najjar said, “we have been hearing them for thirty years, we do not feel in danger and if anyone attacks us we are ready to fight back.”
Najjar also pointed out that Israel tried to commit many terroristic acts but Tehran had stopped them.
“We have strong forces and our security forces were capable of catching Abdul Malek Rigi (the leader of Jundallah), the terrorist and traitor without shedding any blood,” he added.
The writer is a freelance journalist based in Doha.
