JOINT COMMUNIQUE OF THE SEVENTH SESSION OF THE SUPREME STRATEGIC COMMITTEE BETWEEN THE STATE OF QATAR AND THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

Doha - information office - 7 December 


The seventh meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Joint High Strategic Committee was held in Doha on December 7, 2021.


The meeting was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey.


The meeting was held in a spirit of brotherhood, mutual understanding and cooperation, and in a manner that reflects the distinguished partnership and the common desire to enhance cooperation in all fields between the two countries within the framework of a long-term strategic vision.



Both sides discussed many aspects of their strong and distinguished relationship including: Regional security and cooperation in the areas of defense, health, trade and investment, energy, aviation, tourism, culture and education.



The Committee welcomed the results of the work of the Ministerial Preparatory Committee meeting held in Doha on December 6, 2021, headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs responsible for coordinating and preparing the meetings of the High Strategic Committee, in addition to the results of the meetings that were held in Doha on December 5, 2021 between officials in the two countries.



The two sides welcomed the significant progress since the sixth meeting held in Ankara on November 26, 2020, They highlighted the strength of their bilateral relationship and the available opportunities to deepen cooperation for the benefit of both countries.



To this end, and based on the progress made so far through the mechanism of the Joint High Strategic Committee, the two sides signed agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields, ranging from; endowments and Islamic affairs, media and communication, culture, disaster and emergency management to standardization, small and medium enterprises and investments.




Regional and Global Affairs:



The State of Qatar and Republic of Turkey focused on strengthening their bilateral relationship to reach the level of complementary partnership, and they discussed the opportunities to deepen their cooperation, and to continue implementing agreements and arrangements which were previously concluded between them.



Both countries reaffirmed their joint commitment to continue and to strengthen the regional and the global efforts to establish international peace and security, combat terrorism and resolve conflicts by peaceful means.



They expressed their desire to work together within the framework of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue. They also called for cooperation by hosting the State of Qatar for its third summit. Both countries also reaffirmed their determination to enhance cooperation, solidarity and coordination between them in the international and regional organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.



The two sides expressed their mutual appreciation for both countries’ active mediation efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in some of the most enduring and intractable conflicts around the world, and for their effective leadership of other efforts to achieve these goals.



The Republic of Turkey commended the Shura Council elections that took place in the State of Qatar in 2nd of October 2021, which was held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.


The Committee welcomed the outcomes of the Al-Ula Agreement and the direction of the Gulf relations to return back to normal, and emphasized the importance of the stability and security in the Gulf region.



The two sides underlined the importance of engaging the Caretaker Government in Afghanistan in order to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the country and to address the concerns of the international community in the areas of regional stability, countering terrorism and increased irregular migration. Both sides called on international organizations and donor nations to increase their efforts to provide urgent humanitarian and economic aid to Afghan people. Furthermore, they encouraged the Caretaker Government to advance on a path of political inclusivity and protection of fundamental human rights of all components of Afghan people, including women and girls.  The two sides reiterated their commitment to continue their cooperation regarding the future operations of Kabul International Airport as part of their enduring commitment to the brotherly Afghan people. Turkey expressed its appreciation for Qatar's valuable role in supporting peace in Afghanistan and facilitating the evacuation of civilians and nationals of many countries in the world. The two sides reiterated their willingness to continue to work together for achieving a fair solution and a lasting peace in Afghanistan.



Both sides condemned the increasing escalation of Islamophobic rhetoric (Islamophobia) and the populist discourse that incites abuse and aggression because of religious affiliation, they affirmed their total rejection of all forms of hate speech on the basis of creed, race or religion.



Both countries agreed on the importance of increasing the joint efforts to implement the OIC Plan of Action (2020-2023) in combating the rhetoric of fear of Islam, religious discrimination, intolerance and hatred against Muslims. Referring to the decision taken at the Fourteenth Islamic Summit, they affirmed the call of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to recognize March 15th, as an international day of solidarity against the intimidating rhetoric of Islam.



Both sides agreed to continue to support the values that promote tolerance, diversity and coexistence, and to work to establish the principles of international peace and security, in addition to calling on everyone to assume their responsibilities by rejecting hate speech and incitement.



Both sides affirmed their full commitment and solidarity in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and their continuing efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation. They reaffirmed their determination to cooperate against the threats posed by terrorist organizations, including DAESH, PKK/PYD/YPG and FETO. As well as their affiliates.



Both sides expressed their deep concern over the recent developments in the Palestinian issue, which undermine the two-state solution, and they renewed their absolute support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to establish their independent state on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital and with all Palestinian refugees granted the right of return. In recognition of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, both sides also reaffirmed that the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, are illegal and constitute a serious obstacle to peace. They also concluded that any support for Israel's illegal annexation of the occupied lands constitutes a real obstacle impediment for the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights.



Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya. and their support for the Government of National Unity and the Presidential Council. They underscored their common will to join hands in support to Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. They also reiterate the importance of upcoming elections to be held in free, fair and credible manner with the broadest consensus in order to ensure permanent stability in Libya.



The two countries reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. They stressed that the conflict could be resolved only through a political process in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and Geneva Declaration 1.



They called on the international community to support efforts that aim to establish calm on the ground and contribute to a credible and sustainable political solution. Both sides expressed their expectations for the continuation of the work of the UN led Constitutional Committee in a constructive and result-oriented manner.



Both sides expressed their determination to fight against all forms of terrorism undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria as well as the national security of the neighboring countries.



The two sides renewed their commitment to continue their support to Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey. Both sides underlined their pledge to support international efforts as well as the stabilization efforts of the legitimate Syrian opposition for facilitating voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians back to Syria.



The meeting discussed Iraq’s political unity and territorial integrity as foundations for ensuring peace and stability in the region. the two sides expressed their support for the efforts of the Iraqi government to establish stability in the country. The two sides also affirmed their commitment to contribute to the reconstruction efforts.



The Committee stressed the importance of Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the need to end the war in that country through national reconciliation and constructive dialogue as a basis for a lasting political settlement in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Including Resolution of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf No 2216 (2015), and the mechanism of its implementation and the outcomes of the comprehensive Yemeni National Dialogue Conference.



The two sides stressed the need to reach a political settlement on Cyprus issue through constructive dialogue based on existing facts on the Island. 



Both countries affirmed their support for Sudan’s sovereignty and political independence and non-interference in its internal affairs, Respecting the desire and aspirations of the people of Sudan to live in a democratic country that enjoys security, stability and prosperity, they praised the signing of the peace agreement in Juba October 3, 2020, between the transitional government in Sudan and the armed groups, express their appreciation to the State of the South of Sudan for sponsoring the conclusion of this Agreement, they are looking forward to rest of the factions joining this mentioned peace process.



Both countries welcome the agreement reached between the President of the Sovereignty Council of the Sudan, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdouk on the return to the transition process within the framework of the Constitutional Declaration.



They also affirmed their firm position to stand with the people of Sudan for the success of the transitional period and the achievement of their aspirations for stability and development.



The Committee welcomed the progress made by the Federal Republic of Somalia in its nation-building efforts, emphasizing the importance of holding free, fair and transparent elections in a timely manner to enhance security, stability and prosperity, the two parties agreed to increase and develop their cooperation with Somalia, they called on the international community to continue its support to Somalia.



Both sides renewed their commitment to contribute to the sustainable development of the African continent and to promote possible joint cooperation projects to achieve this purpose, they agreed to hold consultations on Africa with a view to taking concrete steps in this regard.



Cooperation in the Field of Education and Culture



The two sides expressed their willingness to further develop their cooperation in the fields of culture and education.



Cooperation in the field of health:


The State of Qatar and Republic of Turkey affirmed their firm position to secure public health conditions worldwide against the Covid-19 pandemic, which poses an unprecedented challenge to all of humanity as well as economic activities and social life. They also expressed their satisfaction with the current joint efforts between the concerned health authorities in combating the epidemic.



The State of Qatar indicated its contribution by providing more than 88 million dollars to support the response to the Covid-19 pandemic for more than 78 countries and global multilateral organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in five continents around the world.



The Republic of Turkey emphasized that it has supported 160 countries and 12 international organization in their fight against the pandemic and provided more than 1,7 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to 12 brotherly countries since the beginning of the pandemic.



Consistent with the will expressed in last year's decision to conduct field visits in the health sector, the Committee welcomed the visit of officials from the Ministry of Health in the Republic of Turkey to Qatar in December 2019 with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the health sector, both sides expressed their intention to study the options available to establish a coordination and information office for the International Health Services Company of the Ministry of Health in Republic of Turkey in Doha.



Partnership in the field of trade, finance, investment and energy:



The two sides pledged to further strengthen their bilateral relations in the financial services sector and continue acting in close financial coordination.



The Parties welcomed the signing of the Agreement on the Extension and Amendment of the Turkish Lira - Qatari Rial Currency Exchange Arrangement between the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and the Central Bank of Qatar.



Both countries valued the significant growth in their bilateral trade relations, expressing their common desire to build on this growth, and emphasis the need to work together during the period of global economic recovery, to this end, the two sides called for the completion of the procedures for ratification of the economic and trade partnership agreement signed between the two governments in 2018.



The Committee welcomed the progress made in mutual investments in the past year, and the fact that Qatari investments in Turkey have reached the equivalent of 33,2 billion dollars at the end of 2020, both sides pledged to explore more ways to support the diversification of economic relations and financial coordination between them.



Based on the will expressed in the joint statement issued by the committee’s fifth meeting on the importance of the role of the chambers of commerce in both countries in promoting investment opportunities, The Committee welcomed the Turkey-Qatar Business Forum held virtually in September 29, 2020, on the initiative of the Council of Ministers, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.



Both sides agreed to increase their cooperation in infrastructure projects in both countries. Qatar appreciated the role of Turkish companies in infrastructure development projects in Qatar in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and development plans within the framework of Qatar Vision 2030.



Both sides commended the joint efforts made based on the previous joint statements issued by the committee to encourage regular participation in trade fairs in Qatar and Turkey and to strengthening the bilateral trade relations between them.



The State of Qatar has proposed the establishment of a "Turkish Free Economic Zone" in the areas supervised by the Qatar Free Zones Authority, which was established in the year 2018. This provides unique opportunities to combine Turkish industrial innovation with the global competitive advantages of the Qatari economy to enable Turkish investors to access additional markets in India, Asia and Africa.



Both sides welcomed the promotion of general commercial projects in the fields of food packaging, manufacturing and port services.



The Republic of Turkey congratulated the State of Qatar on its qualification to host the Expo 2023 For the International Association of Horticultural Producers in Doha in March 2023. Both sides agreed to work in close cooperation in order to successfully organization this major event.



Both countries affirmed their common desire to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, and they emphasize the importance of having a clean energy sources, such as liquefied natural gas to support and enhance their bilateral trade relations.



The two parties agreed to discuss the possibility of developing power plant projects in the Republic of Turkey using natural gas or renewable energy on the basis of having an independent power production system, and by signing a long-term agreement with the concerned authorities by the government of Turkey to purchase the generated electricity.



Defence Cooperation



The State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey emphasized the vital contribution of their defence partnership to regional security and stability.



In accordance with the common will expressed at the previous meetings of the Supreme Strategic Committee, the two sides welcomed the achievements made in defense industry cooperation, and reiterated their determination to further enhance cooperation in this area with a long-term strategic perspective. The two sides agreed that bilateral defence cooperation has the potential to be further developed to include cooperation especially on manufacturing of engine parts, engine maintenance, repair and overhaul activities, unmanned vehicles (air, land, naval) and anti-drone solutions, missile technologies, simulators and naval platforms.



Cooperation in the field of civil aviation, transportation and science:



The Committee highlighted the close cooperation that exists in the field of civil aviation between the two countries.



It called on the aviation authorities to strengthen and develop the rights of movement granted to designated air carriers, and urged to focus on the coordination issues, related to increase the volume of passenger, and cargo traffic between the two countries.



Both sides noted the importance of having a bilateral memorandum of understanding addressing the approaches to the sustainability of road and traffic systems and to mitigating the effects of climate change in the context of international cooperation in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.



The meeting discussed the issue of climate change awareness, mitigation and adaptation in the context of discussing the ways to further enhance the cooperation and to exchange the experiences on climate change.



Cooperation in the field of tourism, culture and education:



In the context of noting the solid foundations linking the two countries in the fields of culture, youth, sports, education, science, archives and libraries, both countries affirmed their intention to further deepen cooperation in these areas.



Both sides discussed innovations in distance learning and strategies to implement them in education.



Expressing their common desire to enhance cooperation in the field of research and development, including the exchange of researchers and scientists, workshops, scientific and technical meetings and conferences.



Development Cooperation:



The Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar are looking forward to strengthening their strategic cooperation in both the humanitarian, relief and development sectors with the relevant authorities in Republic of Turkey, namely the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) as well as the Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA) in order to implement the sustainable development goals and work with the countries of common interest.



Solidarity and Unity:



Both countries emphasized the importance of their relationship in a way that would benefit and achieve the common interests for both of them, as well as the security, stability and prosperity of the region.



Both sides praised the spirit of sincere brotherhood and common will that prevailed in the committee's meeting, which reflected the depth and strength of the distinguished strategic relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples.



The two sides agreed to continue to closely follow up the implementation of the recommendations and decisions of the Supreme Strategic Council.



The two sides also agreed to hold the Eighth Session of the Supreme Strategic Committee in the Republic of Turkey in 2022 on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.



His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Republic of Turkey expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the Qatar for the warm reception and generous hospitality he received with his Excellency's delegation during their stay in their second home, the State of Qatar.