Doha [Qatar], October 20: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani inaugurated the eighth Global Security Forum 2026 in Doha on Monday, bringing together senior officials and dignitaries from more than 100 countries to discuss the future of international alliances and collective security.
Held under the theme 'The Future of Alliances', the three-day forum runs until October 21, addressing mounting geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, shifting global partnerships and growing pressure on international institutions.
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, and Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, alongside other ministers and officials.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the importance of international security cooperation based on trust and shared responsibility, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to achieve security and stability while safeguarding state sovereignty and the interests of peoples.
During a fireside chat with CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen, Sheikh Saoud warned that disruptions to Gulf energy supplies could raise costs worldwide in the coming weeks and months. He said instability could affect global trade, overseas investments and international development assistance, adding that the full economic impact had yet to materialise.
Sheikh Saoud also highlighted Qatar's efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in air defence, counter-drone systems, cybersecurity and electronic warfare, while working with regional partners and international allies on further defence initiatives.
He said Al Udeid Air Base remained a Qatari military facility that also hosted US forces and other international allies for exercises, training, humanitarian missions and regional operations.
Qatar continues to develop the facility to meet the operational needs of its armed forces.
Addressing relations with Iran, Sheikh Saoud said communication had continued at various levels despite bilateral differences and regional conflict.
At a panel on 'The Future of Defence Partnerships: From Alliances to Operational Capability', Head of Qatar's Intelligence and Security Authority Staff Brigadier General Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi said Qatar had repositioned its defence assets within around six hours to counter emerging threats, following months of operational adaptation.
The forum provides a platform for international decision-makers and security experts to exchange perspectives on emerging threats, strengthen cooperation and explore the role of diplomacy, dialogue and mediation in promoting regional and global stability.
Source: Qatar Tribune
