Prior to the visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to Türkiye at the invitation of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun spoke to the state-run Qatari news agency QNA in which he said, "Our joint coordination with friendly and brotherly Qatar will be crucial in resolving regional and international conflicts."
When asked, "Qatar and Türkiye have solid brotherly ties and a robust strategic partnership. How do you read the visit of the country's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Türkiye in light of regional and global challenges?" Director of Communications Altun recalled that Türkiye and Qatar enjoy a long and fruitful history of cooperation.
Director of Communications Altun stated that President Erdoğan attaches special importance to relations with Qatar and opined, "The visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to Türkiye is a continuation of the two countries’ political leaders’ desire to strengthen bilateral relations. This visit also aims to coordinate positions on all regional and global issues concerning both countries.”
Noting that this visit is also significant for the 8th meeting of the Türkiye-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee, which is an effective mechanism for strengthening the two countries' strategic relations, Director of Communications Altun emphasised how the visit bears another significance as it coincides with a period of regional and international crises, in which Türkiye and Qatar have common perspectives.
Director of Communications Altun recalled how both countries have called for dialogue, diplomacy and peace with these common perspectives and noted that by displaying a common stance on international and regional issues, the two countries have demonstrated that they are in favour of rights and justice that take into account the interests of peoples.
Upon the question, “The remarkable development of relations between the two countries in various fields, especially in the political, military, and economic spheres, over the past few years paved the way for the establishment of the Supreme Strategic Committee in 2014. How do you assess the Supreme Strategic Committee's efforts to consolidate and strengthen bilateral relations?” Director of Communications Altun replied, “Although Türkiye-Qatar relations have a long-standing history, they have reached a pinnacle in the last 20 years, with significant progress. Relations between the two neighbourly peoples took a giant leap during this period as a result of their kinship and shared interests.”
Director of Communications Altun recalled that the Supreme Strategic Committee was established in 2014 as the main factor of high coordination between the two countries and emphasised that the Committee made significant contributions to the strategic development of bilateral relations.
Underlining that the Committee, which meets every year, plays an important role in building an institutional path that guarantees to strengthen its past successes, Director of Communications Altun stated, “The Committee also aspires to achieve exemplary success in all areas, particularly regional security and defence. Cooperation between the two countries is also growing in areas such as health, trade, investment, energy, civil aviation, tourism, culture, and education.”
"Two countries are focusing on deepening cooperation"
In response to the question, "Are there any future plans to strengthen strategic relations between the two countries?" Director of Communications Altun opined:
"Of course, Türkiye and Qatar are working to improve their relations in every field. Qatar and Türkiye are focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation through a complementary understanding of partnership. When it comes to ensuring it, our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar have a strong will and determination. This will and determination can be seen in all fields. I would like to highlight the coordination between the Directorate of Communications and the relevant authorities in Qatar for cooperation in media and journalism, as well as the fight against disinformation. During the 8th meeting of the Supreme Committee, an agreement will be made between the Directorate of Communications and the Government Communications Office in Qatar to develop cooperation between the two countries in this critical and strategic field. With this agreement, we hope to intensify mutual visits of media and communication representatives, as well as to cooperate on mutual media education and activities."
"Türkiye and Qatar share the same principles"
Underlining that Türkiye and Qatar played significant roles in resolving regional and international issues, Director of Communications Altun said:
"Our countries' foreign policy shares the same principles in terms of conflict resolution mediation, diplomacy and dialogue efforts. We appreciate Qatar's attempts to reach a peace deal in Afghanistan and its diplomatic efforts in the Iranian nuclear negotiations. On the other hand, Türkiye, under the leadership of our President, has exerted intense efforts from the beginning in order to terminate the Russia-Ukraine War and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from it. Under the auspices of Türkiye, these sincere efforts resulted in the establishment of a corridor for the supply of grain, which has become a worldwide issue, and the implementation of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. As Türkiye, we also seek a just peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Obviously, these outcomes were achieved by aligning the foreign policy's vision and tendencies with global affairs. We are currently observing harmony between Türkiye's and Qatar's foreign policies. We reaffirm our shared commitment to maintain and enhance regional and global efforts for establishing international security, combating terrorism, and resolving conflicts peacefully."
Director of Communications Altun stated that he was exerting efforts to strengthen cooperation, solidarity, and coordination between the two countries within international and regional organisations, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
"Qatar's investments reached $33.2 billion"
When asked, “Are there any plans to sign additional agreements to further deepen the cooperation between the two countries, considering the significant development of their relations and the signing of numerous agreements, protocols, and memorandums of understanding in various fields?” Director of Communications Altun said, “Our President encourages our relevant institutions to develop and intensify cooperation on all levels with Qatar. In this regard, there will be numerous agreements and memorandums of understanding in various fields at the eighth meeting of the Committee as well. I would like to emphasise that this demonstrates our shared desire to progress toward this integrated strategic partnership.”
Upon the question, "What is the bilateral trade volume between the two countries in light of the increasing economic cooperation and the boost in mutual investments between the two countries?" Director of Communications Altun replied:
"The volume of bilateral trade and investment also reflects the close relationship and cooperation between our countries, as seen by the figures. In Qatar, more than 767 Turkish companies are present in various sectors. In 2021, the trade volume between the two nations reached around $1.8 billion. In Türkiye, about 200 Qatari companies operate in major sectors. For Qataris, Türkiye is a significant tourism and investment destination. Qatar is also one of Türkiye's most important foreign investors. Türkiye has emerged as one of the primary countries attracting Qatari capital in a variety of fields, particularly tourism and real estate. Qatar's direct investments in Türkiye also increased significantly. The total value of Qatar’s investments in Türkiye reached $33.2 billion. Qatari and Turkish private sectors will focus on establishing new partnerships for the benefit of both countries and increasing their existing cooperation."
"We can see Qatari investments in many sectors"
In response to the question, "Qatar's investments in Türkiye span a wide range of sectors. Are there any additional incentives or privileges the Turkish government can provide to make it more flexible for Qatari businesspeople to invest in Türkiye? " Director of Communications Altun said, "Türkiye provides many advantages to foreign investors. The new economic model in Türkiye focuses on production, investment, employment and exports."
Pointing out that Türkiye was considered one of the most advanced countries in terms of investment environment, Director of Communications Altun underlined that they attached great importance to Qatari business people and investors in this context.
Inviting Qatari business people to invest in Türkiye and to recognise the great opportunities, particularly in the fields of industry and technology, Director of Communications Altun assessed, "We can see Qatar's investments in many sectors in Türkiye. Qatar's investments in our country cover trade, tourism, agriculture, accommodation, real estate, food and many other sectors. We can say that Qatar's current investments in Türkiye reflect confidence in our country's investment environment."
In response to the question, "Qatar has a distinguished position, global infrastructure, and renowned experience with free-trade zones. Do you have a plan for Turkish companies to capitalise on this by establishing production lines and exporting from Qatar to a variety of international markets? " Director of Communications Altun said, "Qatar's free trade zones offer potential investors a highly competitive environment. Consultations are ongoing between the two countries' relevant authorities to cooperate in this area as well."
Director of Communications Altun pointed out that the increase in Turkish investments in Qatar would contribute to creating new employment opportunities, the development of industry and services in Qatar, economic diversity, and revenue sources other than oil and gas.
"More than 2,000 Turkish police are in Qatar"
Regarding the question, "Qatar has achieved unprecedented comprehensive development in various fields. Do you believe that hosting the 2022 World Cup next month, as well as the arrival of millions of people, will provide an opportunity to introduce millions of people to Qatar's outstanding investment opportunities?" Director of Communications Altun stated that they were delighted and excited that Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to host the FIFA World Cup.
Stating that Türkiye would have the opportunity to express its sincere and tangible support to Qatar with the Committee that would convene before the World Cup, Director of Communications Altun stated that more than 2,000 Turkish police are in Qatar to ensure the safety of the championship as part of the FIFA World Cup cooperation protocol.
Director of Communications Altun noted that millions of people around the world would witness an outstanding championship, and it would be a wonderful opportunity to promote Qatar and the region.