Qatar and Turkiye have historically enjoyed close fraternal ties and contacts between the leadership and the peoples of the two countries. The bilateral relations have seen significant growth in recent decades with frequent exchange of high-level visits between Ankara and Doha. 2023 marked 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. In a sign of close strategic ties, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is visiting Ankara today, where H H the Amir will co-chair 10th session of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee along with Turkish President H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Since its establishment in 2014, the Qatari-Turkish Strategic Committee has played a key role in advancing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. Over 110 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed to enhance the cooperative relationship in multiple sectors. Over the past five decades, Qatar-Turkiye ties have evolved to a strategic partnership that encompasses multiple realms such as economy, industry, defense, security, investment, energy, culture, intellectual property, education, and youth affairs. Last year Qatar-Turkiye trade volume stood at QR4.75bn, with QR1.64bn representing Qatari exports and QR3.11bn representing imports from Turkiye. Petroleum products and raw aluminum are among Qatar’s top exports to Turkiye. Both countries aim to further strengthen their trade ties and elevate the annual trade to $5bn in the medium term. As Qatar’s Ambassador to Turkiye said, important agreements that will have an impact on developing and sustaining economic relations, and making joint investment more attractive to both parties include the Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaty, signed in 2017, and the Free Zones agreement, in addition to the first ministerial meeting of the joint economic and financial committee, between the two countries’ ministries of finance, which is expected to be held soon. Amir’s visit also comes at a crucial time for the region as Israeli wars rage in the Gaza Strip and parts of Lebanon. The brutal conflict in the Gaza Strip and the airstrikes in Lebanon have caused tens of thousands of deaths and have displaced millions both in the Palestinian enclave and in Lebanon. Qatar has played a key mediatory role since day one of the war. It has worked tirelessly along with its partners to help achieve ceasefire in the strip and ensure delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid. Qatar’s mediation efforts led to a brief pause in fighting and release of hostages and detainees earlier in the conflict. The Amir’s visit and the 10th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee will elevate the bilateral partnership to new heights and contribute to the journey of the progress and prosperity for the benefit of the two peoples.
