HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani is assisted by Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul during the opening ceremony of the “2nd High-Tech Port by Musaid Qatar” at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed.
By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter
Qatar is the leading Arab country that is trying to resolve conflicts, said Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul, who also stressed that the country’s “balanced and constructive policies have made significant contributions to peace and stability of the region.”
Gonul was addressing the opening ceremony of the “2nd High-Tech Port by Musaid Qatar” at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The opening ceremony was led by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani in the presence of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Major General Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah, HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, HE the Minister of Information and Communications Technology Dr Hessa Sultan al-Jaber, and HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti.
Gonul stressed that the “deep and strong ties” between Qatar and Turkey are based on common values, beliefs, culture, and history.
He said both countries have also adopted similar approaches and principles to promote regional and global peace: “We have a common interest in the preservation of the peace and security and stability in the region. I am proud to say that Turkey and Qatar are the most security-providing countries in the region and beyond.
“The Middle East is the most strategic and important region in the world. No doubt…Qatar has become one of the most important and prominent states of the Middle East. In this context, I am proud to say that we are very happy to see the level of development that Qatar has reached in recent years.
“We are happy to witness that there have been significant developments with regards to Turkey-Qatar relations. Moreover, they set an example to other countries with their similar policies and sound friendship.”
Held for the first time outside Turkey, Gonul said the High-Tech Port fair “is a clear indicator to the importance attached to Qatar.”
“High-Tech Port brings together consumers and investors from the foreign markets, including the Gulf and other multi-cultural countries. It creates opportunities for the promotion of products manufactured by advanced technologies. The event is of great importance in terms of assembling Turkish technology giants and investors with Qataris in the same platform,” Gonul explained.
With 67 companies and organisations in the field of high-tech present during the three-day event, Gonul expressed optimism that Qatar and Turkey’s co-operation in the field high-tech port “will flourish and enhance.”
“This event is the summit of the common future of our countries and we are also at the crossroads of the development of strategic sectors and the enhancement of strategic partnerships,” he added.
