Turkey and Qatar Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amidst Regional Tensions
Diplomat Fidan engages in discussions with Qatar's counterpart in the city of Doha
The strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar is growing, as evidenced by a series of high-level meetings in Doha. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on a two-day visit to Qatar, held discussions with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, focusing on economic cooperation, regional issues, and strategic engagement.
Economic Cooperation
A significant milestone was reached in August 2025 with the implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEOA) between Turkey and Qatar. This agreement aims to boost economic ties by eliminating tariffs, reducing non-tariff barriers, and increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion in the medium term. The two nations are also deepening cooperation in sectors such as automotive, construction materials, textiles, and services like financial services and telecommunications.
Regional Discussions
The ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Qatar's mediation role alongside Egypt and the U.S. were key topics during Fidan's visit. Turkey expressed its readiness to support constructive initiatives for a two-state solution. Qatar has been strengthening ties with Arab states, including through economic and diplomatic initiatives in Syria. Turkey's influence in northern Syria aligns with Qatar's ambitions, but challenges remain due to competition with other Gulf states and internal divisions in Syria.
Strategic Engagement
The meetings between Turkish and Qatari officials are aimed at expanding strategic partnerships across all sectors and preparing for the 11th High Strategic Committee meeting, which will be led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The co-chairs for this meeting are Erdogan and Al Thani, and the discussions will prepare for the meeting, scheduled to be held in Doha this year.
Notably, Turkey has strongly condemned the plan of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "fundamentalist government" and urged world powers and the United Nations Security Council to act to prevent the implementation of the plan. Turkey has also halted all trade with Israel due to its assault on Gaza, which it considers a genocide, resulting in the death of over 60,000 people, mostly women and children.
In light of these tensions, the 11th High Strategic Committee meeting will be crucial in addressing the situation in Gaza, among other regional issues. The meetings between Fidan and Al Thani are also expected to address the countries' growing strategic partnership in all areas. Turkey has praised Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. for their mediation efforts between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Turkey has also urged world powers to take action to prevent the implementation of any Gaza takeover plans or attempts to displace Palestinians.
In conclusion, Turkey and Qatar are actively engaging in strategic discussions to enhance their economic ties and address regional challenges, particularly in Gaza and Syria. The upcoming 11th High Strategic Committee meeting will be a significant step in furthering this partnership and addressing the complex issues facing the Middle East.
[1] Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEOA) between Turkey and Qatar. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.ticaret.gov.tr/TEOA/Qatar
[2] Fidan's visit to Qatar focuses on strategic partnership and regional issues. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.trthaber.com/dunya/fidan-qatar-ziyareti-stratejik-ortaklık-ve-bölge-sorunlarina-dair-konusurlar-1656414
[3] Turkey and Qatar discuss regional issues, including Gaza and Syria. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-qatar-discuss-regional-issues-including-gaza-syria/2114018
[4] Qatar's Syria policy and the Gulf states. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/research/qatars-syria-policy-and-the-gulf-states/
- Beyond economic cooperation, the discussions between Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Ankara also delved into world politics, particularly war-and-conflicts, notably the ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Qatar's mediation role.
- As part of the general news, the 11th High Strategic Committee meeting, to be led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is anticipated to address the complex issues in the Middle East, including Ankara's stance on the world-wide controversy surrounding the planned implementation of the Gaza takeover plans and the displacement of Palestinians.
