Qatar Interior Minister Attends Conclusion of Trilateral Urban Search and Rescue

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), attended the closing ceremony of the joint trilateral urban search and rescue exercise, which brought together specialized teams from Qatar, France, and Syria. The event marked the culmination of several days of intensive training designed to strengthen operational readiness and international cooperation.

The ceremony was also attended by HE Raed Al Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management of the Syrian Arab Republic, and HE Arnaud Pescheux, Ambassador of France to Qatar, alongside senior officials and officers from the participating delegations.

Qatar was represented by the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of Lekhwiya, while France deployed its France 2 and France 3 rescue teams, and Syria participated through its Civil Defense Directorate. Together, the teams engaged in realistic scenario simulations replicating complex urban emergencies, testing their ability to respond to collapsed structures, trapped victims, and large‑scale disaster environments.

Organizers emphasized that the exercise provided a platform to exchange expertise, enhance joint coordination, and evaluate the effectiveness of operational strategies. The drills highlighted the importance of interoperability among international rescue units, ensuring that teams can work seamlessly in future missions.

Officials noted that the initiative reflects Qatar’s commitment to consolidating its role as a regional hub for training and expertise exchange in search and rescue. It also demonstrates Lekhwiya’s dedication to building an integrated emergency response system capable of rapid deployment in humanitarian and natural disaster scenarios.

By hosting such exercises, Qatar continues to reinforce its reputation as a proactive contributor to global security and humanitarian efforts, while ensuring its national teams remain prepared to meet diverse challenges at both regional and international levels.

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