Cyprus and Qatar have agreed to establish a joint interministerial committee to strengthen cooperation on security and justice, following official talks in Doha on Monday, 19 October.
Cyprus Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fitiris held separate meetings with Qatar’s ministers of justice and interior during his official visit to the country.
According to a statement from the Cypriot Ministry of Justice, the discussions confirmed both countries’ commitment to closer bilateral cooperation, with an emphasis on practical initiatives and the exchange of expertise.
Joint committee to coordinate bilateral cooperation
During the meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Justice, the two sides agreed to establish a joint Cyprus-Qatar interministerial committee responsible for coordinating and advancing areas of cooperation.
A similar cooperation mechanism was discussed with Qatar’s Minister of Interior for matters falling within his responsibilities.
Both sides also agreed to arrange visits to Cyprus by the two Qatari ministers to further strengthen bilateral relations and prepare memoranda of cooperation in their respective fields.
Police cooperation and maritime security
During talks with Qatar’s Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Fitiris discussed opportunities to expand police cooperation, particularly in combating organised crime, training police personnel and exchanging expertise.
Particular attention was given to maritime security and coastguard cooperation, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure and crisis management.
The two sides also discussed Qatar’s National Command Center (NCC), which is of particular interest to Cyprus as the Cyprus Police is planning a new Command, Control and Communications Centre (C3).
The Qatari centre’s operational model and technological capabilities could provide useful experience for the development of the corresponding facility in Cyprus.
Justice cooperation and financial crime
Fitiris also met Qatar’s Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Mohannadi.
The discussions focused on strengthening judicial cooperation, mediation programmes, combating financial crime and arranging exchanges of expertise and visits between the relevant authorities.
Both sides highlighted the importance of making greater use of the existing bilateral legal cooperation agreement, signed in 2014.
They also discussed advancing specific initiatives through the newly agreed joint interministerial committee.
Cyprus’s Ambassador to Qatar, Elpidoforos Economou, and members of the delegation accompanying Fitiris attended both meetings.
Cyprus participates in Global Security Forum
During his visit, Fitiris also participated in the Global Security Forum 2026, taking place in Doha from 19 to 21 October.
This year’s forum, titled “The Future of Alliances”, brings together government officials and security experts to discuss geopolitical developments, emerging security challenges and international cooperation.
As part of his programme, the Cypriot minister is scheduled to visit Qatar’s National Command Center on Wednesday, 21 October.
During the visit, he will be briefed on the centre’s operations, technological systems and coordination of security and emergency services.
The information gathered is expected to inform planning for the new Command, Control and Communications Centre in Cyprus.
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