Qatari and Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee Meet in Turkish Capital

The Foreign Ministries of the Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar held a meeting on Friday in Ankara. Representing Qatar, HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al-Hammadi met with Turkey’s representative, HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sedat Onal to discuss bilateral relations and measures of aiding and strengthening them with their most recent regional and international advancements.

During his discourse, Dr. Al-Hammadi stressed the extent of the bilateral relations between the two countries, calling attention to their state of constant development and  outstanding acquirements at all degrees of mutual cooperation. He noted that the mutual reciprocation of high-level visits from leaders of both countries and from high ranking businessmen and leading figures in both private and public sectors is one the key components in establishing ties between them. He also acknowledged the efforts by the Supreme Strategic Committee in which many agreements and Memorandums of Understanding that had been in discussion for years, were signed, including a recent  partnership, according to Gulf Times. Emphasizing the agreements established in 2015 that have made visa requirements between both countries nonessential, Dr. Al-Hammadi highlighted that the Republic of Turkey has become an attainable and favourite destination for many Qatari residents.

Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister gave prominence to the friendship ties both countries maintained, and its ongoing development and betterment under the present-day leadership of both countries. He also praised the alliance and solidarity of their ties in confronting common disputes, making a note-worthy mention about the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In agreement with Dr. Al-Hammadi, the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister also acknowledge the high-level visits and collaboration between both countries' institutions in developing bilateral relations, remarking that they have accomplished remarkable unity due to the enduring commitment of both parties. He also reinforced Turkey’s efforts in trying to mitigate the negative impacts of the blockade that Qatar was wrongfully subjected to, noting the support received by Qatar during the failed coup attempt in 2016.

Three meetings have been held as of now, in which 40 agreements were signed in various divisions, according to MOFA. Dr. Al-Hammadi also announced the prospect of a fourth meeting before the end of 2018. He declared his assurance that with the subsequent visit, Qatar and Turkey can only become stronger and enhance their current rank. The Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the foreign ministers of the both countries are expected to hold a meeting in Qatar next month in order to examine the ongoing arrangements for the fourth meeting of the Higher Strategic Committee, in which a number of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding are yet to be signed.