Qatar-Turkey bilateral relations, which are historic and distinct, have become an example and role model to be followed, HE the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi said Friday.
He was addressing a meeting of the Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee in the Turkish capital Ankara.
The Qatari side was headed by Dr al-Hammadi, and the Turkish side by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal. Representatives from the two countries' public and private sectors attended.
Dr al-Hammadi stressed in his speech the depth of the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, pointing out that they are in a state of continuous development and remarkable prosperity at all levels of co-operation.
“The exchange of high-level visits from leaders of the two countries and from businessmen and leading figures in the private sector is one of the highlights of the two countries' ties.
“The constant co-ordination of position on various issues and in all regional and international events was also one of the highlights of their ties.”
HE the Secretary-General said that the strategic committee has helped sign many agreements and memorandums of understanding in different fields that were being negotiated for years, the last of which was a signing of an economic partnership.
“Turkey became a favourite destination to the citizens of Qatar, after the two sides signed an agreement in 2015 scrapping visa requirements for citizens of the two countries,” Dr al-Hammadi added.
For his part, the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted the friendship ties the two countries enjoy, and its development and enhancement under the current leadership of the two countries. He referred to the two countries' celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, praising them for their show of solidarity in facing common challenges.
Onal praised the high-level visits and co-operation between the two countries' institutions in developing bilateral relations, noting that they have reached unprecedented levels of strength due to the commitment of the leaders and the sense of unity between the two peoples.
“Turkey and Qatar have proven by various means that they are partners, especially during the difficult times they have experienced. Turkey has done all it could to alleviate the negative impacts of the unfair blockade Qatar was subjected to.
“Qatar was one of the countries that supported Turkey following the failed coup attempt of 2016. Qatar stood by Turkey in recent months, amidst a campaign that targeted the country's economy and currency.”
The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister pointed out that the mutual visits at the highest levels are continuous between the two countries, and the mechanism of co-operation between institutions and bodies is operating regularly and effectively, he added that this fact enhances the importance of the strategic committee.
“The strategic committee held three meetings so far, during which 40 agreements were signed in various fields. The two sides plan to hold the fourth meeting before the end of the year.
“The broad and strong participation of Qatari and Turkish institutions and bodies in this meeting is only a clear indication of the effort made to raise the level of the existing relations and push them forward and enhance their distinguished rank.”
The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister also said that the foreign ministers of the two countries are expected to meet in Doha next month in order to evaluate the ongoing preparations for the fourth meeting of the Higher Strategic Committee.
The meeting saw the two sides discuss a number of agreements and MoUs, which will be signed in their fourth meeting.
