Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, stated at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi that Gulf nations must build independent security capabilities instead of relying only on foreign allies. He noted that strategic alliances with the United States no longer suffice to guarantee regional stability. Al-Ansari added that while military partnerships with Washington remain valuable, recent regional events show the limits of external protection.
Al-Ansari urged Gulf Cooperation Council member states to prioritize defense self-sufficiency and deeper inter-state security integration. The forum gathered senior diplomats, defense experts, and regional policymakers, with security experts echoing concerns regarding airspace vulnerabilities and supply chain disruptions. Delegates discussed joint air defense initiatives, intelligence sharing protocols, and local defense manufacturing capabilities.
The statement reflects a broader geopolitical shift among Gulf states toward strategic autonomy amidst shifting global superpower priorities. Qatar, despite hosting major US military infrastructure at Al Udeid Air Base, has increasingly advocated for collective regional defense mechanisms. Meanwhile, broader diplomatic dialogues continue across regional capitals to manage security risks and prevent wider regional economic destabilization.