Doha, November 13 (QNA) – The 12th Meeting of the Turkiye-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee takes place today in Istanbul under the co-chairmanship of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amid important regional and international developments.
Turkish Ambassador to Qatar HE Yakup Caymazoglu told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the meeting comes at an important time when close coordination between the two countries is more important than ever.
He said the committee, established in 2014, had become a cornerstone of bilateral relations, providing an institutional framework for expanding cooperation across various sectors.
The previous 11 meetings resulted in more than 120 cooperation documents covering trade, investment, defence, security, energy, education and culture, raising relations to a distinguished level of strategic partnership based on mutual trust, solidarity and a shared vision.
Political coordination and regional developments
The ambassador said this year’s meeting had additional importance as it coincides with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), hosted by Turkiye in Antalya.
He explained that the meeting would provide an opportunity for both countries’ leaders to discuss regional and international developments, strengthen political consultations and explore joint efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue.
He stressed that Doha and Ankara share a firm commitment to diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. Both countries support initiatives aimed at preventing escalation, resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace.
Caymazoglu praised Qatar’s constructive mediation efforts, referring to its involvement in Afghanistan, humanitarian initiatives related to the Russia-Ukraine war and contributions to regional stability.
He added that ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional conflicts, including the war and tensions involving Iran and the United States, make close coordination between the two countries particularly important.
“Our cooperation offers a valuable example of how strategic partnerships can contribute to dialogue and peaceful solutions at times of heightened uncertainty,” he said.
Defence and security cooperation
The ambassador described political, military, defence and security cooperation as essential pillars of the strategic partnership.
He said cooperation was supported by the Qatari-Turkish Combined Joint Force Command in Qatar, joint military exercises, training and military education programmes.
He also highlighted expanding defence industry cooperation, including joint production and technology partnerships, which strengthen both countries’ capabilities and contribute to regional security.
Caymazoglu referred to the Badr Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Doha on October 21, 2026, between Turkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia. The initiative aims to develop multilateral cooperation in defence production, research and development, and technical training.
Expanding trade and investment ties
On economic relations, the ambassador said the partnership continued to grow, with both countries working towards a shared target of USD 5 billion in bilateral trade.
He described the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on August 1, 2025, as an important milestone creating further opportunities for businesses and investors.
Qatari investments in Turkiye cover finance, energy, real estate and logistics, while Turkish companies have expanded their presence in Qatar, particularly in construction and infrastructure. He said these investments reflected mutual confidence between the business communities of both countries.
Climate action and sustainable development
The ambassador said environmental protection and sustainable development were gaining importance in bilateral relations.
He expressed hope that COP31 in Antalya would further strengthen cooperation in addressing climate challenges.
He identified opportunities for joint initiatives in the green economy, clean energy, waste management, resource efficiency and climate resilience. He also highlighted cooperation under the Zero Waste Initiative as an opportunity to turn environmental goals into practical projects.
Shared position on regional issues
Caymazoglu said cooperation on regional developments, particularly the situation in Gaza, reflected the shared determination of both countries to reduce humanitarian suffering, uphold international law and support a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
He reaffirmed that Turkiye stood firmly in solidarity with Qatar, stressing that any threat to Qatar’s security, sovereignty or territorial integrity was a matter of concern for his country.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador expressed pride in the relations achieved under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He expressed confidence that the 12th meeting would provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.
“Turkiye and Qatar have always stood by each other, in challenge and in prosperity, and will continue to do so,” he said.
Turkiye-Qatar Summit to Deepen Strategic Partnership Amid Regional Challenges and Shared Climate Priorities Today
