DOHA: Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to the State of Qatar HE Dr Mustafa Goksu said that the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee represents the cornerstone of relations between the two countries, which have reached broader horizons and are characterized by sustainable strategic depth, becoming a model of regional and international solidarity and cooperation.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said that the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, established in 2014, represents the cornerstone of relations between the two countries and provides a comprehensive institutional framework for effective and result-oriented cooperation.
"The committee is the highest level of coordination and cooperation between the two countries, with the goal of enhancing bilateral relations across various fields, including politics, economy, commerce, defense, security, education, and culture," he added.
He indicated that this unique mechanism has paved the way for Turkiye and Qatar to further strengthen their fraternal bond through numerous joint initiatives, mutual support, and coordinated policies across a wide spectrum of areas. He stressed that the committee not only formalizes our shared vision but also provides a direct channel for deepening the historic ties and brotherly relations that already exist between the two fraternal peoples.
The Ambassador of Turkiye highlighted that the committee has achieved important milestones over the years, 100 agreements and joint declarations signed and adopted across various sectors, including political, commercial, economic, and military domains.
He emphasized that thanks to the agreements signed since the committee's inception, bilateral relations have rapidly advanced in all areas, gaining a strategic character based on mutual trust and a solid contractual foundation.
"We have seen substantial progress in trade and investment, with both countries emerging as key partners in each other's economic landscapes. Bilateral trade volume has significantly increased fivefold over the past ten years," he added.
Dr Mustafa Goksu said that there are currently over 1000 Turkish companies operating in Qatar in various sectors, and almost 200 Qatari companies working in diverse fields in Turkiye.
He also pointed out that the stock value of the Qatari direct investments in Turkiye have risen significantly, distributed across numerous sectors, including commerce, tourism, agriculture, hospitality, real estate, and food industries. On the other hand, the works undertaken by the Turkish contracting companies in Qatar to date amount to $20.16 billion.
The Ambassador of Turkiye stressed that Qatari investments in Turkiye are safe, thriving, and successful, reflecting Qatari investors' trust in Turkiye and its investment climate.
In the tourism and cultural field, Dr Mustafa Goksu said that among the most visited tourists to Turkiye are those coming from the State of Qatar, as their number exceeded 200,000 tourists in 2023 alone.He pointed out that "Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center" in Doha, in which its establishment agreement was signed during the 8th session of the committee, plays a significant role in enhancing cultural relations between the peoples of both countries. It attracts a substantial number of citizens and residents interested in learning the Turkish language and participating in the center's various activities He also noted that the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMV) has reached agreements with Qatar University and Lusail University to provide full scholarships for Turkish students studying in Qatar to further bolster cultural ties. Turkiye has also initiated a collaboration for Arabic teachers in Turkiye to receive training in Qatar to improve their language skills. In this context, the first group of 15 teachers came to Qatar at the beginning of this week to start their training with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Heemphasized that there are various joint educational training programs in the security and military sectors, which focus on exchanging experiences and benefiting from them. He pointed out that these achievements are tangible results of a fraternal relations that are built on trust, shared values, and a deep sense of solidarity.
The Ambassador of Turkiye expected that the 10th session of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee would witness the signing of further agreements in areas such as defense, economy, youth, culture, and humanitarian issues. The Committee will also feature a bilateral meeting between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Turkiye HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan."In its 10th session, the committee will address priority areas reflecting our shared vision for development and stability. Discussions will focus on increasing bilateral trade, advancing joint investment projects, and enhancing cooperation in defense, energy, and environmental sustainability," he said.
He pointed out that cultural exchange, educational initiatives, and healthcare partnerships are also on the agenda, reflecting the comprehensive approach to partnership that is founded on strong brotherly relations.
Ambassador Dr Mustafa Goksu emphasized that the convening of the committee comes amidst growing Turkish-Qatari relations over the past years, which have become a model of regional and international cooperation. It will reflect both the long-standing collaboration and the ambition to further elevate the relations to meet the demands of the evolving regional and global landscape.
"I can proudly and confidently say that our bilateral relations have reached broader horizons characterized by strategic and sustainable depth, under the guidance of the wise leadership of the two countries," he added. He stressed that Turkiye and Qatar have been, and will continue to be, a model of solidarity, standing by each other and striving together in both hardship and prosperity for the security and stability of the two countries, the region, and humanity at large.
Dr Mustafa Goksu pointed out that the convening of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee comes in light of the backdrop of regional and international changes, which is taking place at an unprecedented speed. Hence, the current international atmosphere makes this meeting particularly important since it provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss developments, coordinate positions against the current crises, and strengthen bilateral cooperation to address shared challenges.
"This session is of particular importance given the complex dynamics, escalations, and tensions in the region and beyond. The regional situation underscores the value of steadfast partnerships, especially among countries like Turkiye and Qatar, which share a vision for peace, stability, and prosperity," he said.
He indicated that the committee's discussions this year will emphasize resilience, cooperation, and proactive engagement in areas such as humanitarian support, regional stability, and economic resilience.
"Recognizing their role in promoting regional security and peace, Turkiye and Qatar actively contribute to resolving crises through positions supporting dialogue and understanding, fostering consensus among various parties. This role is evident in their continuous efforts to address the crisis in Gaza, where they work to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people, support their legitimate rights, and pursue a just and comprehensive solution that meets their aspirations to establish an independent Palestinian state," he said In this context, he stressed that the only way to heal the wounds of the region, which have been bleeding for decades, is to establish an independent Palestinian state where Palestinian children can dream freely of their future.
Dr Mustafa Goksu concluded his remarks to QNA by saying that the current global challenges make the Qatari-Turkish partnership not just beneficial but essential, underscoring the commitment of Turkiye and Qatar to work together for a more stable, prosperous future for the region and the world.