Turkish Defense Minister Stresses Keenness to Enhance Relations with Qatar in All Areas

Doha, October 07 (QNA) - HE Turkey's Minister of National Defense Vecdi Gonul underlined his country's keenness to further strengthening relations with the State of Qatar in all areas, especially in the defense fields. In an interview with Qatari daily (Al-Sharq), the Turkish minister highlighted the distinct relations between the two countries, which reflects the friend relationship between HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the brotherly ties between the Qatari and Turkish people. He pointed out to his meeting with HE the Minister of State for Defense Affairs Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali Al Attiyah, during which they discussed issues of common concern, defense challenges for both countries and defense equipment. The Minister expressed confidence in the development of defense capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces and their high level of training, competence and efficiency. He expressed Turkey's readiness to share its military experience with Qatar, explaining that when a country shares its experience and military secrets, it demonstrates the mutual confidence and strong relations between the two countries. He noted that he visited Doha mainly to participate in the International Business Forum (IBF) and the High Tech Port Fair, which represent an opportunity for direct interaction between Turkish Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association, and their counterparts from Qatari businessmen. He said that the Forum reflects both countries' keenness to work together in several areas such as training and cooperation in the field of defense, technical equipment and defense industries. The Turkish minister praised Qatar's development and prosperity in all areas, at local and international levels. (QNA)