Qatar and Turkey are reinforcing their strong bilateral ties through ongoing high-level discussions focused on parliamentary cooperation. This week, Speaker of the Qatari Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, met with Hulusi Akar, Chairperson of the Turkiye-Qatar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration. The meeting, held in Doha, signals a continued commitment to strengthening the strategic Qatar-Turkey relations.
The meeting took place on November 20, 2023, as Akar conducts a visit to Qatar. Discussions centered on methods to expand parliamentary partnership and improve coordination on issues relevant to both nations. This signifies a focus on institutionalizing the close bonds that have characterized the relationship between the two countries for decades.
Strengthening the Qatar-Turkey Partnership
The meeting between Al Ghanim and Akar underscores the consistent effort by both Qatar and Turkey to solidify their relationship across multiple sectors—political, economic, and military. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy given the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean. According to analysts, the deepening ties serve mutual interests in regional stability and economic diversification.
Both officials reportedly discussed potential areas of mutual benefit, including increased trade and investment opportunities. The two nations already have a robust economic framework in place, governed by the High Strategic Committee which meets regularly to foster collaboration. However, recent conversations suggest a desire to further increase private sector engagement and explore new ventures within the framework of their existing agreements.
Parliamentary Diplomacy as a Key Component
Beyond economic considerations, parliamentary diplomacy plays a crucial role in solidifying the overall relationship. The Turkiye-Qatar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group serves as a key conduit for legislative exchange and the coordination of positions on international matters. This type of engagement assists in fostering understanding and facilitating cooperation on a broader range of policy issues.
Sources indicate that the discussion explored avenues for collaboration on issues impacting regional security and counter-terrorism efforts. Both Qatar and Turkey share similar views on the importance of a stable and secure regional environment, and actively work together to address common challenges. This includes coordinating efforts related to humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution initiatives.
The evolving situation in Gaza was likely a topic of discussion, given the active diplomatic roles both Qatar and Turkey are playing to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid. Qatar has been instrumental in mediating between Israel and Hamas, while Turkey has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and a key player in regional diplomacy. This shared stance on the Palestinian issue is a cornerstone of their broader political alignment.
In recent years, bilateral trade between Qatar and Turkey has significantly increased. Qatar has emerged as a key investor in Turkey, particularly in areas such as finance, real estate, and infrastructure. Additionally, Turkey is a significant source of manufactured goods, construction materials, and food products for the Qatari market. This economic interdependence further strengthens their strategic partnership.
Despite the generally strong relationship, some analysts point to potential areas of divergence. Differences in approach to certain regional conflicts, for instance, may require ongoing dialogue and compromise. However, the overarching commitment to mutual respect and strategic alignment appears to outweigh these differences.
This meeting signifies a continuing trend of deepened collaboration, building on previous agreements and initiatives. The joint military exercises conducted regularly between the two countries demonstrate a practical dimension to their security cooperation. These exercises are designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen their collective defense capabilities.
Looking ahead, the High Strategic Committee between Qatar and Turkey is scheduled to convene again in early 2024. The agenda for this meeting is expected to include a review of progress on existing projects, as well as the identification of new areas for cooperation within the broader foreign relations strategy of both nations. While a specific date hasn’t been announced, the outcome of this meeting will be a key indicator of the future trajectory of Qatar’s international partnerships and the strength of its alliance with Turkey.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar Relations
Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Turkey Relations
