Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has embarked on a visit to the Republic of Turkiye to strengthen the strategic relationship between the State of Qatar and Turkey and broaden its horizons. The Amir will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the growing strategic ties between the two countries and avenues for strengthening them in various realms, in pursuit of serving the shared objectives and interests of the two nations and their peoples, in addition to exchanging perspectives on the latest regional and global developments of shared concern. The two leaders will co-chair the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, which has been instrumental in enhancing the cooperative relationship in multiple sectors since its establishment in 2014.
Qatar and Turkey share rock-solid strategic ties that have evolved since their establishment in 1973, with the two nations celebrating the 50th anniversary of these relations in July 2023. The relationship has transformed from a normal one into a strategic partnership in recent years, encompassing multiple realms such as the economy, industry, defense, security, investment, energy, culture, intellectual property, education, and youth. Both countries have continued to strengthen their ties through high-level visits, cooperation agreements, and memorandum of understandings across various fields. The commitment of both countries’ prudent leaderships to these ties is evident in the outcomes of the various meetings and agreements between the two nations.
Qatar provided support to Turkey following a disastrous earthquake in February 2023, with the Amir demonstrating Qatar’s unwavering support for the Turkish and Syrian people during a visit to Turkey. Qatar provided over 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to those affected by the disaster and established the Qatar-Turkey Container City in Hatay as a symbol of fraternity and solidarity between the two peoples. The volume of trade between the two countries has highlighted their ever-evolving bilateral relationship, with shared investments flourishing and Qatar positioning itself as a significant investor in Turkey.
Qatari firms are active in various sectors in Turkey, with investments shifting towards ports and technology in recent years. The volume of trade between Qatar and Turkey reached QR4.75 billion in 2023, with both countries aiming to elevate the trade volume to $5 billion in the medium term. Qatar hosts Turkish trade delegations regularly, with enduring communication between private sectors to discuss bilateral trade cooperation and investment opportunities. The Qatari-Turkish Joint Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation held its first session in Istanbul in February 2024, where essential steps were taken to boost trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Military cooperation between Qatar and Turkey has also significantly evolved since the signing of the military cooperation and defense industries agreement in 2014. This agreement aims to share military expertise, advance military industries, and allow the use of each other’s military facilities. In addition, the two countries have showcased their strong relationship through cultural events such as the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha Qatar, which marked the National Day of Turkey. The strength of the Qatar-Turkey bilateral relationship and cooperation in various domains was highlighted by Director General of Exports at the Turkish Ministry of Trade, H E Mehmet Ali Kilickaya, who underscored the importance of exhibitions as platforms for engagement and international cooperation.
