Türkiye and Qatar solidified their strategic partnership on Wednesday, signing a series of agreements and a joint declaration during the 11th Meeting of the Türkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee in Doha.

The agreements, witnessed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, underscore the deepening economic, defense, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

The leaders held a one-on-one meeting followed by inter-delegation talks at the Emir’s Diwan before co-chairing the High Strategic Committee meeting. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest, including trade, defense, and sustainable development.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of the “Joint Declaration on the 11th Meeting of the High Strategic Committee between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar.” The declaration, signed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to expand cooperation in areas such as energy, technology, and regional stability. According to recent updates, the declaration also emphasizes joint efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and address climate change challenges, with both countries pledging to collaborate on green energy initiatives and infrastructure development projects.

Among the agreements signed was a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Presidency of Strategy and Budget of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the State of Qatar on Cooperation and Experience Sharing in Various Areas of Strategic Development Planning.” This MoU, signed by Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, and Secretary-General of Qatar’s National Planning Council Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, aims to foster collaboration in strategic planning, economic diversification, and knowledge exchange.

Another significant agreement was the “Joint Ministerial Statement between the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar,” signed by Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani. The statement outlines plans to boost bilateral trade, streamline customs procedures, and promote joint investments in technology and manufacturing sectors.

In the defense sector, a “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Defense Industry” was signed by Haluk Görgün, President of Türkiye’s Defense Industry Agency, and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in defense technology, joint production, and military training programs.

Recent reports indicate that the agreements are expected to pave the way for new joint ventures, particularly in renewable energy and defense technology, with both nations eyeing a target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion annually by 2030. Analysts note that the strengthened partnership could also play a pivotal role in fostering stability in the Middle East, with Türkiye and Qatar aligning on mediation efforts in regional conflicts.

Following the signing ceremony, President Erdogan and his delegation departed for Oman, the final stop on his three-day Gulf tour, where further discussions on economic and diplomatic cooperation are anticipated.

The 11th High Strategic Committee Meeting marks another milestone in the robust Türkiye-Qatar relationship, which has grown significantly since the establishment of the committee in 2014. Both nations expressed optimism about the future of their partnership, with plans to hold the 12th meeting in Ankara next year. (ILKHA)