Turkish Media Professionals to QNA: Turkish-Qatari Relations Stronger Than Ever

Istanbul, October 14 (QNA) - Turkish media professionals stressed that the current relations between the State of Qatar and Turkey are stronger than ever, and have witnessed a remarkable development at various levels over the last few years. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), they said that Turkey attaches great importance to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit and the meeting of the 8th session of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee. News channel Ulke TV Editor-in-Chief Hasan Ozturk said that Turkish-Qatari relations have witnessed a remarkable development at various levels in recent years, especially at the political and economic levels, and currently, they are stronger than ever. A close observer of Turkish-Qatari relations during the recent period notes the development they witnessed in the economic field, which contributed significantly to making a qualitative leap in the development of relations between the two countries, reaching the political and military levels, Ozturk added. In addition, the mutual visits between the two sides represent a political rapprochement, as these visits have not stopped for more than six years and have always culminated in new agreements that raise the level of bilateral cooperation between Turkey and the State of Qatar, he said, highlighting the convergence and congruence of the two countries' stances towards the most important international and regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause. The political vision of both countries' leaderships coincides in many issues concerning the Gulf region and the Arab and Islamic nations, as there is an agreement on the importance of finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause in a way that guarantees the return of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is the establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the importance of concerted international efforts to achieve stability in Iraq and Syria. Also, there is a deep understanding of world events that require dealing with them wisely and realistically, an approach that has earned the two countries wide respect globally. Ozturk concluded by saying that Turkey and Qatar are heading towards a deeper development in their relations in various fields, and that indicators confirm important and fundamental changes in these relations. For his part, Turkiye Newspaper Chief Editor Ismail Kapan said that there are firm pillars upon which the Turkish-Qatari relations are based, noting the importance that Turkey attaches to developing its relations with Qatar. In an interview with QNA, Kapan stressed that Turkey's relationship with Qatar has always been different from its relations with the rest of the Gulf countries, and has a special place among the Turks. He pointed out in this context that there is full cooperation and understanding regarding all political, economic, and military files, and that the relationship between the two countries is always growing. The stage that Turkish-Qatari relations reached currently compared to other countries can be described as being at their best, he said. The relations are progressing and developing continuously without any complications, he noted. Kapan stressed that Turkey attaches great importance to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit and the meetings of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee. He added that Turkiye Newspaper followed the previous meetings of the Committee, and there is anticipation and wide interest for the results of the meetings of the eighth session in Istanbul, which is expected to benefit both countries, especially Turkey, in light of its current economic conditions. He pointed out that the relations between Turkey and Qatar are well-established and diverse, and have moved from bilateral cooperation to the level of strategic partnership. He explained that the two countries have been strategic partners and have been cooperating on many issues for years. Their relations have witnessed remarkable progress in recent years in all fields, especially in the military field, as Turkish forces will participate in securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, he indicated. Kapan also considered Qatar's hosting of the World Cup a great success, stressing that within four weeks, Qatar will capture the world's attention with the World Cup and the spotlight will be shed on it. He expressed his wishes for the success of organizing this major event, emphasizing that hosting this tournament is an unprecedented success for which Qatar deserves praise and appreciation. For his part, Journalist and writer Mustafa Ozcan said in an interview with QNA that Qatari-Turkish relations are in their golden age after they have developed significantly and expanded to include several sectors, including the military field. Ozcan pointed out that despite the development witnessed by Turkish-Gulf relations over the past years in various fields, Turkish-Qatari relations are characterized by the presence of a unique rapprochement in the region. He considered that the Turkey's view of its relations with Qatar is of great importance in light of the cooperation witnessed in recent years in prominent areas and milestones. Qatar was sincere with Turkey in its rapprochement, which was greatly reflected in the state of prosperity reached in the two countries relations, he pointed out. Journalist Ozcan stressed that the establishment of the Qatari-Turkish Joint Supreme Strategic Committee, which will hold its eighth session in the coming days, has increased the strength and durability of Turkish-Qatari relations and contributed to bringing the two countries closer together on many issues of common interest. On the other hand, he noted the size of Qatari investments in Turkey and their impact on the recovery of the Turkish economy. He said that by increasing the volume of its investments in Turkey, Qatar has contributed significantly to the entry of hard currency and helped Turkey to overcome its economic crisis. In his statement, he stressed the importance that his country attaches to the economic agreements signed with Qatar. He expects that the foodstuffs field will be at the forefront of the concerns for both leaders in light of the major crises that the region is going through after the Russian-Ukrainian war. In a related context, he believed that the opportunities for cooperation between Qatar and Turkey are great in this field during the next stage, especially since Turkey has large areas of land, which qualifies it to become a food basket and an aiding party in solving the food crisis in the region. As for Qatar's hosting of the World Cup, Ozcan considered that Qatar has succeeded in attracting the world's attention by hosting this major global event, expecting it to be a pioneer for the countries of the region. (QNA)