Gazeta Buenos Aires - Qatar and Turkey Sign Joint Defence Agreement in Istanbul

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have signed a joint defence agreement in Istanbul, formalizing a commitment to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations. The signing took place on Tuesday at Dolmabahce Palace, where the leaders also oversaw the exchange of several other agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs). These additional accords cover consumer protection, market monitoring, education, and collaboration in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and conflict resolution.

The event coincided with the release of a joint statement following the 12th meeting of the Qatar-Turkiye Supreme Strategic Committee. Senior officials from both governments attended the ceremony to witness the proceedings. On the Qatari side, attendees included Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Amiri Diwan Chief Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, and Commerce and Industry Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani. The Emir’s official delegation was also present.

Representing Turkey, the ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, and Trade Minister Omer Bolat, alongside other senior ministers and officials. The signing of the defence pact underscores the ongoing strategic alignment between Doha and Ankara, expanding their partnership beyond diplomatic channels into direct military coordination.

Ch.Luna--GBA