Relations between Turkey and Qatar will deepen further in the years to come, said Turkey’s president on Tuesday, visiting the Gulf state.
Speaking at the Qatar-Turkey Joint Force Command in Doha, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the peace and well-being of the entire Gulf region are very important to both Turkey and Qatar.
“We never want to see tension, conflict, or hostility in these lands,” he said. “We wish that this beautiful region, which has a great potential both in terms of underground resources and commercially, to come to the fore with fellowship and solidarity, and to become stronger in every area.”
He added that Turkey is trying to improve cooperation with all Gulf nations based on mutual interests and respect.
Erdogan said that Qatar holds a very special place in the hearts of the Turkish people because of its support in the wake of the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.
On economic cooperation between the two countries, Erdogan said: “Qatar has always stood by us in the face of speculative attacks against the Turkish economy and has shown its trust in our country.”
He added: “We also provide the necessary support to our Qatari brothers who contribute to Turkey's investment, employment, production, and export-oriented growth.”
With the support of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Erdogan asserted the two countries' relations will deepen in all areas in the years ahead.
Earlier on Tuesday, Erdogan and Al Thani took part in the signing of 15 new agreements in a number of fields, including trade, investment, development, culture, youth, sports, diplomacy, health, religious affairs, and the media.
The two leaders are also set to attend the 7th meeting of the Turkey-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee.
Erdogan was welcomed by Al Thani with an official ceremony, and the two met one-on-one at the Amiri Diwan, the emir's office.
The Turkish president arrived in the Qatari capital Doha on Monday for a two-day working visit at the invitation of Al Thani
