rki.news
By Haroon Rashid Qureshi
DOHA, 28 October 2026: The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Qatar hosted a reception on Wednesday to mark the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, observed on 29 October.
Ambassador of Türkiye to Qatar Yakup Caymazoğlu welcomed senior Qatari officials, diplomats, business representatives and members of the Turkish community at the celebration.
Distinguished guests included H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library; H.E. Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs; H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality; H.E. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Mansour bin Ibrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health. Also present were H.E. Ambassador Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Eritrea.
In his address, Caymazoğlu highlighted the historic importance of Republic Day and the close ties between Türkiye and Qatar. He said the occasion represented the Turkish people’s determination to live in freedom and independence, shape their own future and build a better country.
The ambassador paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Türkiye, and the heroes and martyrs of the Turkish War of Independence. He noted that the Republic had strengthened its foundations over more than a century through the efforts of its people and leaders.
He also paid tribute to Qatar’s late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, acknowledging his contribution to Qatar’s development and international standing. Recalling their meetings during official visits by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Caymazoğlu praised the Father Amir’s role in strengthening friendship and brotherhood between the two countries and offered prayers for his soul.
Caymazoğlu, who took up his duties on 15 September and presented his credentials to the Emir on 6 October, said this was his first Republic Day reception in Doha as ambassador.
Describing bilateral relations as a strong strategic partnership, he highlighted the role of the Supreme Strategic Committee in advancing cooperation. Its 12th meeting is scheduled to take place in Türkiye later this year, offering an opportunity to strengthen ties further.
He stressed that the relationship extended beyond official agreements, with solidarity during difficult times demonstrating the depth of friendship. He recalled cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar’s assistance to Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes of 6 February 2023.
The ambassador said Türkiye had consistently supported Qatar’s sovereignty and security, adding that the relationship reflected a shared responsibility that became particularly important during challenging times.
Addressing regional developments, Caymazoğlu stressed the importance of security, solidarity and preparedness. As a longstanding NATO member, Türkiye recognised its regional responsibilities and the importance of cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries.
He cited the “BADR” Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Doha on 21 October 2026 by Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia, as an example of regional cooperation. He praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, particularly concerning Gaza and Iran, and said Türkiye continued to support dialogue and diplomacy on issues including Gaza, Ukraine and the Horn of Africa.
On Palestine, Caymazoğlu reaffirmed Türkiye’s position that a lasting resolution requires a two-state solution. Referring to messages delivered by the Turkish president and Qatar’s Emir at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, he emphasised the importance of international law, justice and diplomacy.
The ambassador concluded by thanking Katara Cultural Village, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, sponsors and embassy staff for their contributions to the celebration. Guests were invited to enjoy Turkish music and cuisine.
He ended his address by celebrating the Republic of Türkiye and wishing Qatar continued prosperity and well-being.
