Doha: The Qatar Armed Forces have successfully concluded the Al-Koot 9 joint military exercise with the French Armed Forces. The exercise was held under the patronage of HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, alongside the presence of HE Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohamed Al Mannai. According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Koot 9 was designed to enhance the operational capabilities and combat readiness of both nations' forces. The exercise aimed to improve their ability to handle potential internal and external crises and disasters. It also focused on the protection of Qatar's airspace, land, and maritime borders, while promoting the exchange of expertise and strengthening the military cooperation between Qatar and France. On the sidelines of the exercise, HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces met with HE Commander of the French Land Forces, Lieutenant General Pierre Schell. The meeting, a ttended by several senior officers from both countries, highlighted the robust military partnership that continues to develop between Qatar and France.