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The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex) 2016, inaugurated by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Tuesday, was the platform for Qatar signing a nearly €6.7bn contract with France to buy 24 Rafale fighter aircraft.
The opening of the three-day event at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) saw a number of dignitaries in attendance, including adviser to the Emir for Defence Affairs HE Major General Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah and HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah.
Soon after the opening, the Emir and the dignitaries toured the sprawling venue, visited some of the major pavilions and watched the exhibits on display. Companies from about 30 countries are participating in the exhibition.
The contract for the Rafale fighter aircraft was formally signed by HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
French ambassador Eric Chevalier and Qatar Chief of General Staff, Major General Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem were present at the signing ceremony.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Qatar's Minister of State
for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah shaking hands at the
agreement-signing for Rafale fighter aircraft. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam.
While describing the deal as an important milestone in the ongoing defence agreement between the two countries, the French minister hoped it would boost bilateral relations and more of such agreements would be reached between Qatar and France in future. Rafale International (Dassault Aviation) has a pavilion at the venue.
This is the fifth edition of Dimdex, launched in 2008. A number of security experts and specialists from different areas of combat, representing the armed forces of many countries, are attending the meetings held as part of the bi-annual event.
Vehicles, helicopters, equipment and machinery for the maritime security and defence of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa are prominently displayed at various pavilions.
Qatar Emiri Airforce's pavilion showcases miniature models of many of the fighter aircraft and helicopters.
The expo features a wide range of maritime exhibits including those used in the fight against piracy, diving operations and underwater vehicles.
The organisers said the phenomenal rise in the number of participants over the years showed their growing interest in the defence and security market of the region.
A Naval Commanders Conference on the Middle East is to be held on Wednesday. It is expected to be attended by several military and academic experts.
As part of the exhibition eight naval ships are berthed at the Doha Port.
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