Diplomat Fidan to Journey to Qatar for Discussion on Strategic Collaboration
In a significant development, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar this week, marking his third visit to the Gulf state this year. The visit comes as the two nations continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, focusing on economic ties, regional issues, and diplomatic efforts to address critical challenges in Gaza and Syria.
During the visit, Fidan is expected to emphasise the importance of capacity building in Syria, as well as discuss joint efforts by Turkey and Qatar to establish stability and security in the war-torn country. The discussions will also focus on evaluating the strategic partnership in all sectors and exploring new areas of cooperation for the future period.
Regional issues, particularly Gaza and Syria, are central topics of these talks. Fidan is expected to reiterate Turkey's appreciation for Qatar's mediation efforts in Gaza, which involve Egypt and the US, to achieve a ceasefire. Turkey will also discuss ways to halt Israeli attacks on Gaza and advance a two-state solution.
The strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar is currently very strong and expanding, encompassing broad cooperation across economic, political, and regional issues. Recent discussions have focused on deepening economic ties via a comprehensive Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEOA) that came into force in August 2025, aiming to boost bilateral trade significantly and eliminate tariffs on many goods.
As the current chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers Council, Turkey will exchange views on the upcoming OIC meeting called at Turkey's initiative. Potential cooperation projects in Syria are under evaluation, with the aim of further reinforcing the collaboration between the two nations.
The last meeting of the High Strategic Committee took place in Ankara on Nov. 14, 2024. The next meeting of the High Strategic Committee is scheduled for this year in Doha, under the leadership of President Erdogan and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The discussions at this meeting will address regional concerns, particularly Gaza and Syria, and additional steps to stop Israel's attacks on Gaza and implement a two-state solution will be discussed.
The strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar is not only strengthening economically, but also in terms of cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investments, contracting, tourism, and energy. The upcoming meetings are expected to further reinforce this collaboration, as the two nations work together to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
[1] Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEOA) between Turkey and Qatar [2] High Strategic Committee, the highest institutional framework of Turkey-Qatar relations [3] 11th High Strategic Committee meeting scheduled for later in Doha [4] Discussions on regional issues, particularly Gaza and Syria [5] Discussions on the expanding strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar
- The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEOA) between Turkey and Qatar, which aims to boost bilateral trade significantly and eliminate tariffs on many goods, is a testament to the strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
- The High Strategic Committee, the highest institutional framework of Turkey-Qatar relations, will hold its 11th meeting later this year in Doha, under the leadership of President Erdogan and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to address regional concerns, particularly Gaza and Syria, and discuss additional steps to stop Israel's attacks on Gaza and implement a two-state solution.
- The discussions between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari officials will focus on regional issues, particularly Gaza and Syria, as well as the expanding strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar, which includes areas such as trade, investments, contracting, tourism, and energy.
- As part of their efforts to establish stability and security in Syria, the Turkish Foreign Minister, during his visit to Qatar, is expected to emphasise the importance of capacity building in Syria and discuss joint efforts with Qatar to address critical challenges in the country.
