Turkey's Ambassador to Qatar Confirms Growing Development of Qatari-Turkish Relations

Doha, November 26 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Mehmet Mustafa Goksu affirmed the growing development of Qatari-Turkish relations, as the two countries became strategic allies, in light of the great leap in their relations in various fields of joint cooperation. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the sixth meeting of the Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee chaired by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, HE Ambassador said that bilateral relations between the two countries have witnessed remarkable progress in recent years in all fields to become strategic partners that cooperate on many issues at the bilateral, regional and international levels. HE added that the regular holding of Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee meetings at the highest level annually is an indication of the strength of this relationship and strong evidence of the commitment of the two countries, as strategic allies, to strengthen their partnership in various fields. His Excellency pointed out that the Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee meeting is being held in light of regional and international political and economic challenges, which makes it imperative for the two countries to consult, coordinate and exchange views regarding them in a way that contributes to achieving their common interests and enhances their role in promoting security and peace in the region and the world. On the agreements that will be signed during the meeting, HE Ambassador explained that a number of new agreements will be signed between the two sides, in addition to 52 agreements that were previously signed. He added that after signing the new cooperation agreements, the number of agreements between the two countries is expected to exceed 60 agreements that will cover many and varied fields, including economic, industrial, cultural and Islamic affairs, and in the family domain, as well as international trade and water resources. HE indicated that the Qatari-Turkish relations are distinguished by the diversity of cooperation in many vital areas such as energy, manufacturing, technology, banking, tourism, agriculture, real estate, culture, religious, social and security affairs and others. On the commercial and investment aspects, His Excellency said, in his statement to QNA, that the relations between the two countries have reflected positively on the trade and investment field, adding that the trade exchange between Qatar and Turkey witnessed important development during the past years, and last year it recorded a growth of about 6 percent. HE also pointed out that Qatari companies are the third largest investors in the field of contracting in the Turkish market, and highlighted that more than 179 Qatari companies operate in Turkey and the volume of Qatari investments has reached more than USD 22 billion. Regarding Turkish companies in Qatar, His Excellency noted that more than 500 Turkish companies are active in Qatar, working in vital fields, and actively participating in infrastructure projects, pointing out that a number of Turkish companies won contracts worth USD 1.2 billion. In the field of tourism, His Excellency stated that the number of Qatari visitors to Turkey reached 110,000 last year, up from 30,000 in 2016. HE Ambassador affirmed that the Qatari-Turkish relations had been tested more than once and in difficult situations, and their credibility, durability and toughness had been proven. (QNA)