Qatar-Turkey 'committee' bid to better co-operation

*Ministerial Meeting of Qatari-Turkish High Strategic Committee begins in Doha

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has emphasised the significant progress in Qatar-Turkey relations, commending the existing co-operation, the exchange of high-level visits and the joint committee of the two countries.

Addressing the opening of the Ministerial Meeting of fifth round of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, he stressed the importance, attached by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Turkish president to the High Committee. He also commended the committee's contribution to developing bilateral relations into comprehensive strategic partnership, assisting in opening new areas of co-operation, appreciating Turkey's honourable stance regarding the blockade imposed on Qatar since June 2017 and its support for Kuwaiti mediation.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs touched on the development of trade, economic and investment relations between the two countries, pointing out that the volume of trade doubled to $ 2.4bn last year. This affirms the depth and strength of trade ties, he added.

HE the Minister called Turkish companies to invest in Qatar, pointing out that it has become an attractive destination for investments in the light of laws that encourage foreign investment, and provide many incentives and benefits to foreign investors, which is part of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu praised the committee's role in the development of bilateral relations during the past years.

Cavusoglu explained that the committee has become an important umbrella for all aspects of bilateral co-operation between the two countries.

He also touched on trade relations and projects implemented in Qatar by Turkish companies, noting the increase of Qatari investments in Turkey.

The two countries signed 45 agreements and memorandums of understanding during the last four sessions of the meetings of the High Strategic Committee.