Russia, Qatar agree to establish direct military hotline for crises

Russia and Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a direct military communication channel for immediate notifications during crises, Qatar's Ministry of Defence has announced.

It said the memorandum is aimed at "establishing and operating a direct communication channel for immediate notification in the event of crises,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The document was signed on Qatar's behalf by Brig. Gen. Rashid Al-Hitmi, Acting Director of the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Russia was represented by Vice Adm. Viktor Kalganov, Deputy Head of the National Defence Management Centre.

Earlier in June, a Russian Defence Ministry delegation led by Kalganov visited Qatar's General Directorate of Coast Guard and Border Security.

Qatar's Defence Ministry noted that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of security.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov