HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has frequently reiterated that the State of Qatar always backed Turkey against any terrorist challenges, emphasising that what affects Turkey affects Qatar as well. In 2016, Speaking at the Second meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee in the Turkish city of Trabzon, HH the Emir also repeated Qatar’s strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing that took place in Turkey’s Kayseri province, delivering condolences and sincere sympathy for the innocent victims.
He voiced condemnation of the criminal act, which is disobedient to all divine religions and human values, stressing solidarity with the fraternal Republic of Turkey in all steps it takes to maintain its security and strength. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan co-chaired the discussion of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee. At the beginning of the meeting, the Turkish President welcomed HH the Emir and the accompanying delegation, pointing out that the conference was held on an extraordinary day that overlaps with the National Day of the State of Qatar.
President Erdogan conveyed, in his name and on behalf of the Turkish people, thanks and appreciation to Qatar for its solidarity with the people of Aleppo and for cancelling all festivities of this day. He praised the ties between the two countries, stressing the importance of developing and heightening them to serve the interests of both sides. He pointed out that the agreements marked during the first meeting of the committee and the agreements which were signed will further support the close cooperation between the two countries.
The Turkish President said that the arrangement comes at a sensitive and decisive phase for Turkey in its fight against terrorism, highlighting the country’s continuation to combat it in all its forms and types, and growing, at the same time, thanks to HH the Emir for Qatar’s support of Turkish anti-terrorism efforts and firm support against the failed military coup that took place in Turkey. He pointed out that the first call he acquired was from HH the Emir, lauding the visit of HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to Turkey in the wake of the endeavour as well as the visit of the Emir.
President Erdogan also hailed the Turkish-GCC joint dialogue, saying this will contribute to supporting the stability of the region. Pointing to his engagement with HH the Emir in terms of discussing the latest developments in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen, President Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s support of legitimacy in Yemen, according to the Security Council resolution 2216, the Gulf initiative and results of national dialogue conference. HH the Emir thanked President Erdogan for the friendly reception accorded to him and his accompanying delegation, representing satisfaction with the continued growth of the fraternal relations between the two countries.
In this respect, the Emir pointed out that the recent visit confirms the strength of strategic relations and shared enthusiasm to continue supporting them for the welfare and shared interests of the two brotherly peoples. HH the Emir ended his speech by saying that the meeting represents an important stage on the road to closer cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, the two sides debated and exchanged views on ways to further develop relations between the two brotherly nations in various fields. They also discussed critical regional and international issues of common concern. The conference was attended by Their Excellences members of the official delegation attending HH the Emir and a number of Turkish ministers.
