Türkiye and Qatar strengthen strategic ties with new agreements
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (L) as they pose for a photo as they chair the “Tenth Meeting of the Turkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee” at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye on November 14, 2024. The two countries signed 8 agreements after the meeting. (TUR Presidency/ Murat Cetinmuhurdar - Anadolu Agency)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally received Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.
The two leaders are set to discuss regional issues and sign multiple agreements to strengthen bilateral ties.
Official reception with full honors
The ceremony began with mounted guards accompanying the emir’s motorcade to the entrance of the Presidential Complex. Erdogan greeted Al Thani at the main entrance, followed by the playing of national anthems and a 21-gun salute. The emir saluted the Honor Guard, saying, “Greetings, soldiers.”
Flags representing 16 historical Turkish states and ceremonial troops added to the occasion, highlighting the strong ties between the nations.
Strategic meeting and bilateral talks
Following the ceremony, President Erdogan and Emir Al Thani proceeded to a private bilateral meeting. Discussions are expected to focus on regional tensions, including the situation in Gaza and Al Thanid the broader Middle East.
The leaders will later join the 10th Türkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee meeting to finalize various cooperation agreements.
New agreements to boost economic and defense cooperation
Eight agreements were signed between Türkiye and Qatar in the presence of President Erdogan and Qatari Emi Al Thani.
President Erdogan and Emir Al Thani chaired the “10th Türkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee Meeting” at the Presidential Complex.
Following the meeting, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony for the agreements between the two countries. The eight agreements signed in the presence of Erdogan and Al Thani are as follows:
- Agreement on cooperation in the field of humanitarian aid
- Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of documents and archives
- Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in media and communication
- Implementation program for youth and sports cooperation (2025-2026)
- Agreement on international road passenger and freight transport cooperation
- Declaration of intent on facilitating trade
- Agreement on technical cooperation
- Agreement on military cooperation
Additionally, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signed the “Declaration of the 10th Türkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee Meeting.”
Strong economic and cultural ties
Economic cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar has flourished, with significant Qatari investments in Türkiye’s tourism, agriculture, real estate, and food sectors. Turkish construction companies have completed projects worth $20.16 billion in Qatar, reflecting investor confidence.
In the cultural and educational sectors, the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Doha and agreements with Qatari universities have strengthened ties. The number of Qatari tourists visiting Türkiye surpassed 70,000 in 2023, with many holding permanent residency.
