Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Qatar underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, further solidifying their growing strategic partnership. During the visit, President Erdogan is expected to meet with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Amiri Diwan to discuss ways to enhance cooperation across political, economic, and investment sectors. The two leaders will also address key regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The visit is particularly significant given the challenges facing the Arab region and highlights both countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The leaders are set to co-chair the 11th session of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, a high-level mechanism established in 2014. This committee has already facilitated over 110 agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The 11th session of the committee will take place in Doha, offering an opportunity to advance cooperation between the two nations. The committee has been a crucial driver for developing strategic coordination, and its meetings have played a pivotal role in consolidating ties. The most recent meeting in November 2023, held in Ankara, highlighted the strong political will of both leaderships to deepen their partnership in a range of areas.
A key area of focus is trade and investment. Both countries aim to expand their trade volume, with a goal of reaching $5bn in the near future. This includes exploring new opportunities for cooperation in finance, energy, and public-private partnerships, as well as expanding institutional and business ties between the two nations. The Qatar Ministry of Finance and the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen these areas of collaboration.
Economic and Investment Cooperation
Qatar and Turkiye have a long history of economic cooperation, with trade and investment growing steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973. Their economic ties have evolved into a robust partnership, with Qatar emerging as one of the largest foreign investors in Turkey. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) manages several significant projects in the Turkish market, and numerous Turkish companies operate in Qatar across diverse sectors.
In recent years, Qatar’s private sector has made notable investments in Turkish industries such as real estate, tourism, manufacturing, and health. This trend has also extended to ports and technology, with Qatari investments focusing on emerging sectors. For example, Qatar owns a 49.9% stake in BMC, a Turkish engine and tank manufacturer. Additionally, Qatar has a significant role in the Istanbul Canal project, set to be implemented in the coming years.
The economic partnership between the two countries also includes discussions on financial reforms and the diversification of their national economies. The inaugural ministerial meeting of the Qatari-Turkish joint financial and economic committee, held in Istanbul in February, explored opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation through mutual visits and economic delegations.
Cultural and Educational Ties
Cultural cooperation plays an essential role in Qatar-Turkey relations. The Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre, opened in Doha in 2015, is a testament to the shared commitment to enhancing cultural ties. Furthermore, both nations have signed agreements on exchanging historical documents, scientific sources, and cultural expertise. Educational cooperation is equally significant, with Qatari students attending Turkish universities, and cultural exchanges taking place through scholarships and study missions.
The presence of Turkish institutions in Qatar, including Turkish schools and universities, reflects the growing cultural and educational links between the two nations.
Looking Forward
President Erdogan’s visit to Qatar highlights the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries. As the two nations continue to expand their cooperation across economic, political, and cultural domains, the results of their ongoing collaboration promise to have a lasting impact on both countries and their people.
For further insights into Qatar’s strategic partnerships and economic developments, you can explore topics such as the Qatar-Turkey ceasefire agreement and Qatar’s growing investment presence in various sectors, including real estate.
