Qatar and Turkiye continue to deepen their strategic partnership through close co-operation in diplomacy, defence, humanitarian assistance and regional mediation, Turkish ambassador to Qatar Dr Mustafa Goksu has said, highlighting the two countries’ enduring solidarity during times of crisis. Speaking at the Turkish embassy in Doha during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkiye, the envoy paid particular tribute to Qatar’s steadfast support during and after the attempted coup, describing it as a defining moment in the longstanding brotherhood between the two nations.
Dr Goksu recalled that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was the first foreign leader to telephone Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the night of the coup attempt. He also noted that His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani was among the first senior foreign officials to visit Turkiye following the crisis.
The envoy added that Qatar subsequently worked closely with Turkiye in combating the Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation (FETO), a stance that Ankara regards as a significant demonstration of solidarity and mutual trust.According to Dr Goksu, the relationship has continued to strengthen through successive regional and global challenges.
He cited the two countries’ mutual support during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and Qatar’s assistance following the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkiye in February 2023. He said bilateral defence co-operation has also expanded significantly.Joint activities under the Qatar-Turkiye Joint Combined Command Forces, including air and naval operations, have enhanced Qatar’s defence capabilities, while co-operation on Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets reflects the growing depth of military ties.
The envoy attributed much of the partnership’s institutional strength to the Qatar-Turkiye Supreme Strategic Committee, established in 2014, which meets annually and has facilitated the signing of 125 bilateral agreements. He also highlighted a recent agreement to jointly develop and launch a satellite, saying it demonstrates how co-operation is expanding into advanced technology and the space sector.
Dr Goksu also lauded Qatar’s growing role as a regional mediator, describing it as one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship.He said the two countries have worked closely with regional and international partners to reduce tensions, secure ceasefires and promote regional stability. He pointed to their co-ordination during the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, saying Qatar and Turkiye played an important role in efforts that contributed to a ceasefire.
He also commended Qatar’s long-standing mediation experience and principled diplomacy in creating conditions conducive to dialogue.
The envoy said the two countries continue to adopt complementary approaches to major regional issues, including Gaza, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Yemen.
On Gaza, he praised Qatar’s mediation efforts under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, as well as its sustained humanitarian and financial support for the Palestinian people and efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
Dr Goksu also underlined the Development Road project involving Turkiye, Qatar, Iraq and the UAE, describing it as an important initiative to strengthen regional transport connectivity and economic integration.
He noted that forums, such as the Doha Forum and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, continue to provide valuable platforms for dialogue and policy co-ordination on regional and international issues.
Concluding his remarks, the envoy said Turkiye remains committed to advancing its development while working with partners such as Qatar to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
