Doha, November 13 (QNA) - HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan will co-chair the session of the Supreme Strategic Committee between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye, which will be held today in Istanbul.
This meeting reflects the continuity of political, economic, and security coordination between the two nations. It underscores the significance this institutional mechanism has attained in advancing the bilateral partnership, effectively translating mutual understandings reached by the leadership of both countries into concrete cooperation programs, agreements, and projects across various spheres.
The Qatar-Turkiye Supreme Strategic Committee stands as a key indicator of the distinguished relations and strategic partnership between Doha and Ankara, aimed at realizing the shared interests of both countries and their peoples.
With this 12th session, Qatari-Turkish relations reach a new milestone in their strategic journey, a progress built upon more than a decade of consistent institutional engagement, an extensive network of agreements and understandings, and a shared commitment to deepening cooperation. This partnership serves interests of both countries and their citizens, while bolstering their collective contribution to regional and international stability, development, and cooperation.
Established in 2014, the Committee holds annual meetings hosted alternately by the two countries, under the co-chairmanship of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 
Since its establishment, the committee has held eleven meetings: the first in Doha in 2015, the second in Trabzon in 2016, the third in Doha in 2017, the fourth in Istanbul in 2018, the fifth in Doha in 2019, the sixth in Istanbul in 2020, the seventh in Doha in 2021, the eighth in Istanbul in 2022, the ninth in Doha in 2023, the tenth in Ankara in 2024, and the eleventh in Doha in 2025.
These meetings resulted in the conclusion of dozens of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at developing and supporting cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. Furthermore, the meetings serve as an opportunity to review progress of bilateral cooperation, current state of strategic partnership between Doha and Ankara, and the prospects for expanding this relationship to better serve the interests and aspirations of both nations and their peoples. Discussions also cover pressing regional and international issues of common concern, with the two countries coordinating their positions to champion Islamic and humanitarian causes, promote the interests of allied and friendly nations, and bolster international peace and security.
Regarding the future vision that the 12th session of the committee might adopt to transform the bilateral partnership into a model for regional cooperation in security, economics, and political mediation, Assistant Professor in the Department of International Affairs at Qatar University, Dr. Abdulla Banndar Al Etaibi explained that this vision entails transitioning partnership from a level of close political coordination to a broader institutional framework that integrates security, development, the economy, and innovation. The two nations can leverage their mutual trust to advance cooperation in defense industries, technology, and cybersecurity, while simultaneously strengthening investment and trade partnerships and exchanging expertise in mediation and conflict resolution. The value of this partnership lies in its capacity to combine bilateral coordination with contributions to regional stability, all while maintaining dialogue and cooperation as essential tools for addressing crises.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Al Etaibi stated that the 12th session of the Qatar-Turkiye Supreme Strategic Committee derives its significance from taking place at a time when regional crises intersect with economic and technological transformations. This makes direct consultation between Doha and Ankara essential for coordinating positions and assessing risks. Furthermore, regular convening of the Committee provides a practical framework for following up on shared dossiers, identifying new priorities, and translating political understandings into cooperation programs. Consequently, the importance of the meeting extends beyond the signing of new agreements; it encompasses the consolidation of communication and coordination channels during a period that demands reliable and flexible partnerships.
Regarding the defining characteristics of Qatari-Turkish relations and role of the committee in their development, Dr. Al Etaibi explained that these ties are distinguished by mutual political trust and a shared perspective on the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement. This is complemented by a diverse range of economic, defense, and cultural interests.
Since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2014, the committee helped structure this cooperation through an institutional framework that holds regular meetings, bringing together relevant stakeholders from both nations to monitor the implementation of agreements and programs. Consequently, the relationship expanded beyond mere political coordination, becoming more resilient and capable of evolving across various institutions and sectors.
Dr. Al Etaibi emphasized that ongoing meetings, communications, and ministerial visits between the two countries reflect a commitment to continuous consultation at the highest levels, with both leaderships ensuring that channels for coordination on bilateral and regional issues remain open. This underscores that the partnership is not limited to periodic meetings alone, but is instead rooted in sustained, ongoing communication that facilitates the tracking of key files and the alignment of priorities across institutions.
Considering rapid global changes, these engagements take on added significance, enabling both countries to exchange assessments and explore areas of cooperation in a direct and consistent manner. 
Dr. Al Etaibi stated that the 12th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee is, as well, expected to bolster the implementation of previously agreed-upon initiatives and open new, practical avenues for cooperation in economics, investment, the defense industry, technology, and strategic planning. In the longer term, the relationship is trending toward greater institutional and economic diversification, alongside continued political coordination on regional and international issues. Statements from the previous session underscored the importance of following up on the implementation of recommendations, expanding economic and financial cooperation, and strengthening ties between the business communities of both nations.
He went on saying that the agreements concluded between the two countries demonstrate the significant momentum the Committee has built; however, the true measure of success in the coming phase will be the speed with which these agreements are implemented and transformed into joint projects with tangible impact. This requires establishing measurable priorities, enhancing the role of the private sector, facilitating market access for companies, and broadening cooperation in sectors such as services, logistics, industry, and technology. 
Furthermore, the entry into force of Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement on August 1, 2025, provides a vital framework for facilitating trade and investment.
The continued convening of the Supreme Strategic Committee between the two nations underscores the strength of the relationship between Doha and Ankara. It reflects the shared commitment of both leaderships to further develop these ties, nurture the Qatari-Turkish partnership and cooperation, and bolster their alliance. Moreover, both nations have maintained a steadfast stance against regional challenges faced in recent years, successfully overcoming difficulties through close cooperation. Exceptional coordination exists between Doha and Ankara on many critical regional issues, with both countries sharing common perspectives on a wide range of regional and international matters, most notably in their efforts toward mediation, conflict resolution, and the promotion of peace, security, and stability globally.
The growth in trade volume and mutual investments further demonstrates the evolution of bilateral relations. Turkiye serves as a prime investment destination for Qatar, while Qatar ranks among the largest foreign investors in Turkiye, with the Qatar Investment Authority managing several major projects there.
Qatar and Turkiye share a deep historical connection rooted in a strategic partnership, mutual trust, and a shared vision for the future, a relationship formally established in 1973. Over the decades, this bond flourished, consistently anchored in mutual respect, common interests, and a commitment to international peace and stability. The bilateral relationship encompasses a broad spectrum of areas, including politics, economics, culture, education, defense, and security, alongside close coordination on regional and international matters.
Over the past decade, relations between Doha and Ankara have gained significant momentum, underpinned by more than 120 agreements covering diverse sectors, from politics and economics to education, culture, and the environment. 
In August, following a meeting in Ankara with HE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat stated that the volume of foreign trade between Turkiye and Qatar had grown 53-fold over the last 21 years, reaching USD 1.3 billion by the end of last year. He noted that this figure climbed to USD 2.5 billion during the period surrounding Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, driven largely by construction activity. 
Furthermore, with the trade and economic partnership agreement between the two nations entering into force in the third quarter of 2025, bilateral trade volume is targeted to exceed USD 5 billion in the coming years.
The Turkish Minister of Trade also mentioned that approximately 250 Qatari companies operate in Turkiye, with investments totaling USD 7.8 billion. Conversely, around 1,116 Turkish companies, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to major firms, are active in Qatar across sectors such as construction, services, and various manufacturing industries. Additionally, approximately 50,000 tourists travel between Turkiye and Qatar in each direction annually. 
In recent years, the Qatari private sector has established a notable presence across various investment fields in Turkiye, including real estate, construction, tourism, manufacturing, media, finance, and healthcare. Qatar holds shares in numerous Turkish companies, most notably defense manufacturer "BMC" in which it owns a 49.9 percent stake, and maintains investments across a wide range of other Turkish firms and major infrastructure initiatives, including the Istanbul Canal project. (QNA)