The key facts

  • Turkey and Qatar signed five documents, including a mutual defense agreement
  • The defense pact was signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
  • The event took place at the 12th meeting of the two countries' High Strategic Committee in Istanbul

Five Documents in Istanbul

Turkey and Qatar signed five agreements, including a mutual defense pact, during the 12th meeting of the two countries' High Strategic Committee in Istanbul. The signing ceremony took place at the Dolmabahce Presidential Residence in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — after bilateral talks and delegation meetings. Erdogan and Sheikh Tamim personally signed the mutual defense agreement.

Who Signed What

The remaining documents were signed by the heads of the relevant agencies. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani signed a memorandum of cooperation on consumer protection, market surveillance, and inspections. The agreement on cooperation in education was signed by Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin and Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. The heads of the foreign affairs agencies — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani — signed a memorandum of cooperation on peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution, as well as a joint declaration on the outcomes of the committee's 12th meeting.