Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
TCG Kinaliada Corvette Naval ship of Turkish Naval Forces docked Tuesday at Doha Port where it was received by Ambassador of Turkiye to Qatar HE Dr Mustafa Goksu, Maj Gen Ertunc Ertufanli, Armed Forces Attache at the Turkish Embassy Col Ali Cetin, and Qatari Naval Forces officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Goksu said TCG Kinaliada Corvette’s visit to Qatar underscores the strong diplomatic and military relations between the two countries. He said the arrival of the vessel, which will anchor in the port for two days before departing on July 25, symbolises more than just a military visit, “it is a testament to the deep and enduring ties and solidarity that bind the two nations in the pursuit of peace, security and mutual prosperity”.
“Türkiye and Qatar share a profound bond rooted in common values, shared aspirations and a steadfast commitment to regional stability. Our collaboration in the defence sector stands as a shining example of this enduring partnership. Over the years, we have cultivated a resolute relationship based on trust, respect and a shared vision for a peaceful and secure future,” he said.
“As the Turkish corvette makes its port call in Doha, we are reminded of the critical importance of maritime security in safeguarding our nations. The seas are the lifelines of our economies, the pathways of our commerce and the frontiers of our security. Through joint naval exercises and operations, Türkiye and Qatar are not only protecting these vital waterways but are also contributing to the stability and security of the broader region,” Dr Goksu added.
The fourth vessel produced under Türkiye’s MİLGEM project, the Ada Class Corvette TCG Kınalıada set sail from İzmir in April to mark the 100th anniversary of Turkish-Japanese diplomatic relations and the 134th anniversary of the date the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul set sail for Japan.
The mission aims to enhance the visibility of the Turkish Naval Forces, introduce national platforms and strengthen bilateral relations with the countries to be visited during the4 to 5-month voyage.
TCG Kınalıada’s port calls include Japan, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Somalia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Jordan.
The fifth visit to Japan and other countries by a Turkish Naval Ship is to commemorate the tragic loss of more than 500 Turkish sailors and officers; 69 survived onboard Ertuğrul Frigate embarked on its final voyage to Japan. On September 19, 1890, it encountered a typhoon off Japan and sank.The tragedy is marked as a landmark of the friendship between Türkiye and Japan.
Addressing the members of media on-board TCG Kinaliada, Commander Serkan Dogan, commanding officer TCG Kinaliada, said the ship will be participating in a naval exercise with Qatari Naval Forces today (Wednesday).
Talking about the role of visiting 5-year-old corvette, he said that as Türkiye is situated at the crossroads of major trade routes, this important geographic location provides unparalleled access to diverse markets and facilitates international trade route and economic growth.
“Türkiye is a country surrounded by three major seas. Therefore, it is an obligation, rather than a choice, for our country to have a powerful navy. In this regard, Türkiye is and has to be strong not only in terms of economy and politics but also military and defence as well,” he said.
He added, “Türkiye achieved self-sufficiency with a special focus on domestic and national character in its defence industry. While Türkiye’s domestic production rate in the defence industry was below 20 percent in 2000, it increased to 85 percent in 2023.”
Commander Dogan said that in next five years, Turkiye aims to be self-sufficient in meeting its national defence requirements as Türkiye exported 230 different defence items and aerospace productions to 185 countries in the last decade.
