The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has signed a security agreement with Interpol to support its security and safety efforts during its hosting of the World Cup 2022 in the country.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Minister of State for Interior Affairs and head of security committee, a division of Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, and Interpol secretary general Ronald K. Noble on the sidelines of 81st General Assembly of Interpol at Rome.

As per the deal, the Interpol will nominate a permanent head and his deputy to support the efforts and plans of Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.

The Interpol group comprises experts in sports security, specialists in law enforcement and security experts from around the world, and will provide support and guidance for Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee on security strategies, frameworks and practices for stadiums, people and sites throughout Qatar to help ensure the safety and security of the 2022 World Cup.

The group will also provide advice and training to the Qatari Ministry of the Interior in security preparations for the 2022 World Cup as well as the development of strategic partnerships with international and national partners to help strengthen security in the World Cup.

"We are aware that the World Cup is one of the greatest sporting events in the world involving a wide range of challenges. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee will be working with Interpol and the network of its members representing 190 countries to benefit from international expertise to ensure a successful and safe World Cup that meets the highest international standards," said Sheikh Abdullah.

“We are here together to find other areas of collaboration aimed at identifying tools that enable Interpol and law enforcement networks worldwide to provide further support for our national and regional security. The committee looks forward to elaborate this co-operation to other strategic initiatives,” he added.

The new group, comprising competent law enforcement and security experts from across the globe, is headed by former London Police deputy commander Janet Williams, who led and oversaw the operations of the security planning for this year's London Olympics.

Commenting on the deal, Noble said Qatar's support for this initiative reflects its commitment to ensure the highest security standards.

"The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee showing its leadership in terms of security of their country and its people and millions of football fans who will visit the region during the World Cup 2022 and we are happy that they share with Interpol's vision for a safer world," he added.

Interpol experts group and its General Secretariat will work in full co-ordination with Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, the Ministry of Interior and the Interpol national bureau Office in Doha over the next 10 years as part of an integrated approach to the preparation and implementation of required security practices.

Besides exchange of information, the establishment of this group of experts will enhance the role of Interpol and its importance in creating security elements associated with hosting large sporting events, he added.-TradeArabia News Service