Qatar's unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy has once again underscored its importance as a regional peacemaker, according to the Turkish ambassador to Qatar, Dr Mustafa Göksu, who praised Doha's role in facilitating the recent understanding between the US and Iran and in advancing efforts to prevent wider instability in the Gulf.
Speaking during an interview at his residence in Doha, Dr Göksu said the latest regional crisis highlighted not only the effectiveness of Qatar's diplomatic approach but also the strength of the strategic partnership between Turkiye and Qatar, which has deepened through decades of close co-operation and mutual support.
"The Türkiye-Qatar partnership has emerged stronger in this regional crisis. The solidarity between our two countries has manifested not merely in words, but in the most concrete terms on the ground," he said.
According to the ambassador, close co-ordination between the leaderships of the two countries was maintained throughout the period of heightened tensions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held multiple telephone conversations, while Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani remained in constant contact to ensure diplomatic alignment.
Dr Göksu noted that Fidan made two visits to Qatar during the crisis, including one on May 12, reflecting the intensity of bilateral consultations.
"The two countries' foreign ministers have been holding extensive discussions not only with each other but also with regional and global counterparts since February to coordinate joint efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions," he said. "Türkiye-Qatar co-ordination was reaffirmed as a fundamental pillar of regional diplomacy in the pursuit of peaceful and sustainable solutions."
The ambassador's remarks come at a time when Qatar's mediation efforts have received growing international recognition. Doha has played a prominent role in facilitating dialogue among regional and international actors, leveraging its long-standing policy of maintaining open channels of communication with parties often divided by conflict.
Dr Göksu described Qatar's diplomatic approach as one defined by patience, consistency and an unwavering belief that negotiations remain the most effective means of resolving disputes.
"What has distinguished Qatari diplomacy throughout all the crises the region has experienced is its steadfastness and patience," he said. "While numerous rounds of negotiations failed and escalations deepened many times, Doha never ceased its pursuit of peace."
He added that Qatar's position had remained consistent even during the most challenging periods of regional tensions.
"As His Highness has always emphasised, the negotiating table is the only solution, not weapons and destruction," he said. "History has proven the soundness of this firm conviction."
Dr Göksu commended Qatar's contribution to the recent understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, saying the development demonstrated the value of diplomacy in reducing tensions and preventing further escalation.
"We sincerely welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran," he said. "As Türkiye, we genuinely commend Qatar's diplomatic efforts helping to reach this outcome, considering Qatar has been one of the parties affected by the conflict, yet it acted with prudence and wisdom throughout the war and afterwards."
The ambassador expressed hope that the agreement would help establish a durable environment of peace and security across the region, while warning against actions that could jeopardise the progress achieved through diplomacy.
Beyond the immediate crisis, Dr Göksu said the events of recent months had reinforced the importance of regional solutions to regional challenges.
Quoting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, he said: "If this region continues to wait for a saviour from the outside, it will remain alone with its problems."
"Türkiye and Qatar are among the strongest advocates of this philosophy," he added. "This region can — and will — take ownership of its own challenges and resolve them together."
The ambassador also highlighted the role both countries have played in maintaining open communication channels and supporting efforts to preserve ceasefires, facilitate humanitarian access and advance political dialogue.
He said Türkiye had worked actively with regional and international partners to prevent the conflict from expanding and to restore stability in the Gulf.
"Türkiye has emerged as a critical bridge between all parties, while Qatar, drawing on decades of mediation experience and a distinct diplomatic identity, continues to amplify these efforts," he said.
Dr Göksu stressed that developments in the Gulf have implications far beyond the region, particularly regarding the security of global trade and energy supplies.
Referring to concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, he noted that disruptions to maritime traffic affect not only regional economies but also global markets.
"The Strait of Hormuz is not merely a security issue," he said. "It is a matter of global energy prices, trade flows and regional economic stability."
He added that Türkiye consistently advocated diplomatic solutions to ensure freedom of navigation and regional stability.
"President Erdoğan's statement that 'negotiations cannot be conducted with clenched fists' and Foreign Minister Fidan's emphasis that the Strait of Hormuz can only be reopened through diplomacy clearly define our position," he said.
While discussing the future of the region, Dr Göksu repeatedly returned to the theme of solidarity between Türkiye and Qatar, describing the relationship as rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and a long history of standing together through difficult times.
"Türkiye and Qatar enjoy a strategic partnership built upon deep-rooted friendship, mutual trust and a shared vision for the future," he said.
The ambassador recalled several defining moments in bilateral relations, including Qatar's support during the failed coup attempt in Türkiye in July 2016.
"His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was the first leader to call President Erdoğan and express solidarity," he noted. "Likewise, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman was among the first foreign officials to visit Türkiye afterwards."
He also pointed to the extensive involvement of Turkish companies and security personnel in preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as another demonstration of the close partnership between the two countries.
"We take great pride in having contributed to the successful hosting of the World Cup by our friendly and brotherly Qatar," he said.
Similarly, he said, Qatar's support following the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023 left a lasting impression on both the Turkish state and its people.
"These principled and timely stances were deeply valued by both states and peoples," he said. "They reflected not only a diplomatic gesture but also the strength of the deep-rooted fraternal ties and strategic partnership between the two nations."
"That is the essence of this relationship: when one faces hardship, the other acts without hesitation."
Dr Göksu also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the March 22 helicopter crash involving personnel serving under the Qatari Armed Forces.
"Our martyrs have deeply grieved both Türkiye and Qatar," he said. "These sacrifices demonstrate that the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Qatar is not a partnership on paper — it is a reality lived and upheld at the highest cost."
The ambassador praised what he described as Qatar's careful and effective management of the recent crisis, reiterating Türkiye's steadfast support for the country.
"Our brothers and sisters in Qatar were not alone in their challenging times, and they will never be," he said. "We stand firmly alongside our friend, brother and ally Qatar with all our capacity."
Dr Göksu said the latest crisis had revealed the full potential of co-operation between the two countries and opened new opportunities for collaboration.
He identified humanitarian diplomacy, trade, investment, energy and defence industries as key areas where bilateral co-operation is expected to deepen in the coming years.
"The Qatari-Turkish alignment continues to serve as a model of strategic bilateral co-operation that prioritises regional stability, with a shared commitment to consultation across international forums and to supporting pathways for peace," he said.
The ambassador also pointed to the significance of His Highness the Amir's recent visit to Türkiye, including his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and his visit to the Turkish Embassy to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
"These gestures spoke volumes about the importance placed on this relationship," he said.
Expressing confidence in the future, Dr Göksu said the partnership between Doha and Ankara was built on far more than immediate interests.
"This strategic partnership is not built on transactional interests tied to any particular moment," he said. "It rests on historical brotherhood, shared values, mutual respect and a principled commitment to standing for what is right."
"We have always been by each other's side, including in these challenging times. With stronger institutional ties, deeper economic integration and more effective diplomatic co-ordination, this relationship based on resolute brotherhood will reach new heights," he added.
"Qatar and Türkiye will work for the future of this region together," Dr Göksu stressed.
