Qatar

Ankara / Information Office / October 05

Ranking officials of the Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee held Friday a meeting in Turkish capital Ankara.

The Qatari side was headed by HE Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, the Turkish side was chaired by HE Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal. Representatives from the two countries' different public and private sectors attended the meeting.

HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed in a speech the depth of the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, pointing out that they are in a state of continuous development and remarkable prosperity at all levels of cooperation. He added that the exchange of high-level visits from leaders of the two countries and from businessmen and leading figures in the private sector is one of the highlights of the two countries' ties. He noted that the constant coordination of position on various issues and in all regional and international events was also one of the highlights of their ties.

His Excellency added that bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey are historic and distinct, becoming an example to follow in terms of how bilateral relations between two countries should be.

HE the Secretary-General said that the strategic committee has helped sign many agreements and Memorandums of Understanding in different fields that were being negotiated for years, the last of which was a signing with initials on an economic partnership. He highlighted that the Republic of Turkey became a favorite destination to the citizens of Qatar, after the two sides signed an agreement in 2015 scraping visa requirements for citizens of the two countries.

For his part, the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted the friendship ties the two countries enjoy, and its development and enhancement under the current leadership of the two countries. He also highlighted the two countries' celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, praising them for their show of solidarity in facing common challenges. The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister also praised the high-level visits and cooperation between the two countries' institutions in developing bilateral relations, noting that they have reached unprecedented levels of strength due to the commitment of the leaders and the sense of unity between the two peoples.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said the two countries have proven by various means that they are partners, especially during the difficult times they have experienced. He stressed that Turkey has done all it could to alleviate the negative impacts of the unfair blockade the State of Qatar was subjected to, noting that Qatar for its part was one of the countries that supported Turkey following the failed coup attempt of 2016. He also highlighted that the State of Qatar stood by Turkey in recent months, amidst a campaign that targeted the country's economy and currency.

The Deputy Foreign Minister pointed out that the mutual visits at the highest levels are continuous between the two countries, and the mechanism of cooperation between institutions and bodies is operating regularly and effectively, he added that this fact enhances the importance of the strategic committee.

His Excellency said that the strategic committee held three meetings so far, during which 40 agreements were signed in various fields. He added that the two sides plan to hold the fourth meeting before the end of the year. He added that the broad and strong participation of Qatari and Turkish institutions and bodies in this meeting is only a clear indication of the effort made to raise the level of the existing relations and push them forward and enhance their distinguished rank. The Deputy Foreign Minister said that the foreign ministers of the two countries are expected to meet in Doha next month in order to evaluate the ongoing preparations for the fourth meeting of the Higher Strategic Committee.

The meeting saw the two sides discuss a number of agreements and MoUs, that will be signed in their fourth meeting.