Cyprus and Qatari Ministers agreed Monday to strengthen cooperation and collaboration on justice and security areas, during meetings Justice Minister Costas Fytiris held in Doha, in the framework of his official visit.
A press release by the Ministry says that during the meetings with Qatari Ministers of Justice and Internal Affairs, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation with an emphasis on advancing specific initiatives and exchanging expertise.
During the meeting with the Minister of Justice, the two sides agreed to establish a joint inter-ministerial committee between Cyprus and Qatar, which will be tasked with coordinating and promoting areas of cooperation. A similar cooperation mechanism was also discussed with the Minister of Interior, covering matters falling within his portfolio.
Furthermore, it was agreed to arrange visits by the two Qatari Ministers to Cyprus, with the aim of further strengthening bilateral relations and preparing memoranda of cooperation in their respective sectors.
During the meeting with the Minister of Interior of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, discussions focused on the potential for strengthening police cooperation, specifically regarding the combating of organised crime, the training of police personnel and the exchange of expertise.
Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation in the fields of maritime security and coast guard operations, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure and crisis management.
The operation of Qatar’s National Command Centre (NCC) was also discussed. The press release points out that this is of particular interest to the Cypriot side, as the Cyprus Police are currently in the process of planning a new Command, Control, and Communications Center.
In the meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Mohannadi, discussions covered the enhancement of cooperation in the justice sector, mediation programs, combating financial crime and the exchange of expertise and visits between the relevant authorities.
Particular reference was made to utilising the existing bilateral agreement on legal cooperation, signed in 2014, and to the need to promote specific actions through the joint inter-ministerial committee.
Fytiris also participated in the Global Security Forum 2026, held in Doha from October 19 to 21, which focused on the theme "The Future of Alliances." The event brought together government officials and security experts to discuss contemporary geopolitical developments, security challenges, and international cooperation.
As part of his visit, the Minister is scheduled to visit Qatar’s National Command Center Wednesday. He is set to be briefed on its operations, technological systems and the coordination of security and emergency services, to leverage this experience for the planning of a corresponding center in Cyprus.
