Amir of Qatar Hosts Discussion with Acting Secretary Wolf Addressing 21st Century Security Solutions; Wolf Also Signs Memorandum of Border Security Cooperation with Qatari Prime Minister
Release Date:
January 8, 2021
Today, Acting DHS Secretary Chad F. Wolf met with His Highness (H.H.) Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and His Excellency (H.E.) Qatari Prime Minister, and the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, to discuss 21st century regional solutions addressing aviation security, customs and border protection, Qatari security in their hosting of World Cup 2022, and overall critical infrastructure and cybersecurity opportunities to enhance safety and security.
The Acting Secretary signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between DHS and the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar on Enhancing Border Security Cooperation through the Exchange of Information (EBSA) which is crucial to facilitating the exchange of biometric and associated data for those seeking entry. The MOC establishes respective policies and processes to ensure effective data exchange while mindful of respective national laws, policies, human rights obligations, and the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2396.
“I would like to thank His Highness Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as His Excellency Prime Minister, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, for the Qatari Government’s exemplary collaboration with DHS in a variety of crucial mission areas, including information sharing, aviation security, border security, and cybersecurity,” said Acting Secretary Wolf. “Qatar is a crucial partner in the region as we seek regional approaches to 21st century security challenges. This is the latest in a series of agreements signed with Qatar that enhances our already strong bilateral partnership by ensuring the sharing of biometric information in an automated system. The EBSA MOC is a further step by Qatar to address statutory requirements of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). We look forward to further agreements to build 21st century security solutions.”