Doha, 23 Oct. 2022

By Ashraf Siddiqui

THE US-Qatar relations are critically important strategic partnership for the two countries as well as the entire region, according to Commander of US Central Command Gen. Michael ‘Erik’ Kurilla.

“Our militaries were working together even before the formation of CENTCOM. Today, we share a vision for security of the region that continues. And in light of today’s complex threats, this relationship is more important than ever,” Gen. Michael ‘Erik’ Kurilla told Qatar Tribune. He said the Qatar-US bilateral relationship dates back more than 50 years.

Gen. Kurilla was in Doha recently to attend a meeting of the regional US envoys.

He said the US tremendously values the military partnership with Qatar. Qatar is a major non-NATO ally. Qatar is a military partner working through many of the urgent challenges that we face in the region, he added.

Gen. Kurilla said, “Our strategic approach is summarized by three words – people, partners, and innovation. We must rely on our strong military partners in the region such as the Qatar Armed Forces for security and stability in the region. No nation can go it alone, and no one can solve the region’s complex problems alone. We are committed to strengthening our partnership with our Qatari partners.”

Talking about any impact on regional relationship due to change in administration, Gen Kurilla said President Joe Biden personally designated Qatar a major non-NATO ally.

GEN Kurilla said, “It is clear that this administration values relations with Qatar. We, in CENTCOM, see the great value in our military partnership with the Qatar Armed Forces. We must rely on this ironclad relationship for regional security.”

The Commander of US Central Command said, “There are many opportunities ahead for us to build on our collective defence. We have many training exercises throughout the year with the Qatar Armed Forces. These exercises allow both nations to focus on border security, air defence, and air-to-ground integration.”

Gen Kurilla paid his gratitude on Qatar’s remarkable role in the safe evacuation of tens of thousands of people from Afghanistan. “Qatar has played an outsized role in US efforts,” he said.

On the FIFA World Cup 2022, he said, “We have great confidence in the ability of the Qatar Armed Forces to safely host the World Cup.”

Gen. Kurilla has served in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Kosovo-Macedonia, Panama and Saudi Arabia. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, MBA and M. S. in National Security Studies.

He has held prestigious positions during his 34 years of career including General Officer, Director of Operations and Assistant Commanding General for Joint Special Operations Command, Deputy Commanding General for 1st Infantry Division, Joint Staff Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, and Chief of Staff for US Central Command.

US Central Command, from Tampa, Fla, issued following press release today on the visit of General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander to Qatar :

From October 20 to 23, General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, visited Qatar for meetings with Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Salim Hamad Aqil Al-Nabit, and the Qatar Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah.

During his visits with the Qatari armed forces leadership, Kurilla reinforced the strength of the US-Qatar military partnership, an enduring relationship that dates back more than 50 years to the onset of Qatari independence. Qatar, a Major non-NATO ally, is critical to the security and stability of the Middle East.

Kurilla expressed confidence in Qatar’s ability to ensure a safe and secure World Cup next month. He also thanked Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah for Qatar’s important role in the release of American citizen Mark Frerichs last month after two years in captivity in Afghanistan.

“Our strategic approach is summarized by three words: People, Partners, and Innovation,” said Kurilla. “We must rely on our strong military partners in the region such as the Qatar Armed Forces for security and stability in the region. No nation can go it alone, and no one can solve the region’s complex problems alone. We are committed to strengthening our partnership with our Qatari partners.”