Qatar strucks deal with UK, buys 24 fighter jets

Doha, Sep 18 : Qatar has signed an agreement with the UK to purchase 24 Typhoon fighter jets, state media reported on Monday.

The agreement, signed on Sunday by Qatar's Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and Britain's Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, aims to strengthen cooperation and mutual support in the military and technical fields between the two countries, Xinhua news agency quoted an official statement as saying.

Fallon said that this agreement will be the first major defence contract with Qatar, one of Britain's strategic partners.

"This is an important moment in our defence relationship and the basis for even closer military cooperation between our two countries," he added.

The two sides held a meeting afterwards, discussing aspects of cooperation in the military field, especially in combating terrorism and violent extremism, as well as regional issues.

On June 15, Qatar and the US had signed a deal for the purchase of F-15 fighter jets with an initial cost of $12 billion.