The key facts

  • A mutual defense agreement between Turkey and Qatar was signed in Istanbul
  • Erdogan said work is underway to prevent the resumption of war in the Gulf region
  • The parties' trade and economic agreement has been in force since last year

Meeting in Istanbul and a new defense agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on Friday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Dolmabahce residence in Istanbul, the Turkish Directorate of Communications announced on social media. The two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. The same day, the parties signed a mutual defense agreement, which, according to Erdogan, will give bilateral ties a new dimension.

Regional agenda and economy

Erdogan stated that Turkey and Qatar will continue working together to prevent the resumption of war in the Persian Gulf region, to create a basis for dialogue and to achieve peace, emphasizing the importance of persuading the parties to resolve problems through diplomacy. He also noted that the trade and economic partnership agreement, which entered into force last year, has brought the two countries closer to their mutual trade volume target. According to him, Turkey is working to develop and diversify its energy partnership with Qatar, and cooperation in the defense industry will continue to grow.