Qatar and Turkey have been strategic partners co-operating on various issues at the bilateral, regional and international levels for many years, Turkish ambassador Mehmet Mustafa Goksu stated on Wednesday.

He was addressing a limited gathering on the occasion of the 97th anniversary and National Day of Turkey at the Turkish embassy in Doha.

The envoy stressed that Qatar-Turkey relations have been steeped in history since the end of the 19th century, and continued to develop even after the establishment of the Turkish Republic to see considerable development in the 1990s.

"The relations have currently experienced a quantum leap due to the brotherly historical relations and the common shared interest between the peoples of the two countries.

“The foreign policies of both Qatar and Turkey share the same principles regarding the employment of mediation efforts, diplomacy and dialogue as a basis for resolving disputes. Both Turkey and Qatar stand by the right and justice to achieve the good of the people and their aspirations for freedom and honourable living. It is the common factor for Qatar and Turkey,” said the ambassador.

“The Turkish people will never forget the support of His Highness the Amir of Qatar, alongside the Qatari government and people during and after the failed coup attempt in 2016. Similarly, Turkey hurried to stand by Qatar when it faced the unjust blockade in June 2017,” the ambassador pointed out.

He said that such key situations could not be forgotten, stressing the strong and close friendly relations of the top leadership of both countries that have reflected positively on both nations and their people in different fields.

Dr Goksu recalled that he was appointed as the ambassador of Turkey to Qatar in August and that he completely understands that the bilateral relations between the two countries are strong and strategic, and that there is a need to develop innovative strategies to further develop such a wonderful partnership in the light of the positive development over the past few years.

“We are keen to enhance the relations among the people of the two friendly countries as the status of Qatar in the heart of the Turkish people is much larger than its geographical space. Love and friendship would continue, thanks to the leadership and friendship between the people,” he emphasised.

The Turkish envoy observed that Qatar has been able to win the respect of the world through its work to achieve peace in the areas of conflict and its efforts to reconcile divisions, besides resolving disputes by peaceful means while maintaining an equal distance from all parties on the issue in a highly trusted mediation approach.

“We highly appreciate such efforts, which affirm that Qatar has a big diplomatic, economic and humanitarian role,” he said.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic scenario, the Turkish embassy decided to hold only a limited celebration with a minimum number of guests to maintain the relevant preventive and precautionary measures. However, the ambassador said that a number of small-scale activities would be organised to share the joy of the occasion with Qatari friends and other expatriates in the country.



Related Story