Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attend a signing ceremony for agreements after their meeting in Doha, Qatar, on October 22, 2025.
DOHA, Qatar/ISTANBUL – On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Türkiye and Qatar solidified their strategic partnership by signing a series of agreements and a joint declaration during the 11th Meeting of the Türkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee in Doha. The agreements, witnessed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, mark a significant step in deepening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, and strategic planning. The signing followed a productive session of the High Strategic Committee, co-chaired by the two leaders, and included one-on-one discussions and inter-delegation talks at the Emir’s Diwan.
The centerpiece of the meeting was the “Joint Declaration on the 11th Meeting of the High Strategic Committee between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar,” signed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This declaration reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to enhance their strategic partnership, emphasizing mutual goals in regional stability, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange. The agreement underscores the importance of the High Strategic Committee, established in 2014, as a platform for advancing bilateral relations.
Among the key agreements signed was a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Presidency of Strategy and Budget of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the State of Qatar on Cooperation and Experience Sharing in Various Areas of Strategic Development Planning.” This document was formalized by Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, and Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of Qatar’s National Planning Council. The memorandum aims to foster collaboration in strategic development planning, with a focus on sharing expertise in economic policy, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth initiatives. Both nations, known for their ambitious development agendas, see this agreement as a pathway to align their long-term economic strategies.
Another significant agreement was the “Joint Ministerial Statement between the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar,” signed by Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani. This statement outlines a framework for boosting trade relations, streamlining customs procedures, and promoting joint ventures in sectors such as energy, technology, and manufacturing. Türkiye and Qatar have seen steady growth in bilateral trade, with Türkiye exporting machinery, food products, and construction materials to Qatar, while importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemicals. The agreement aims to further diversify trade and reduce barriers to investment.
In a move to strengthen defense ties, a “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Defense Industry” was signed by Haluk Gorgun, President of Türkiye’s Defense Industry Agency, and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani. This agreement paves the way for collaboration in defense technology, joint production of military equipment, and knowledge sharing in defense innovation. Türkiye, a growing player in the global defense industry with its domestically produced drones and armored vehicles, sees Qatar as a strategic partner in expanding its defense exports to the Gulf region. For Qatar, the agreement aligns with its efforts to bolster its defense capabilities amid regional security challenges.
The agreements reflect the deepening ties between Türkiye and Qatar, which have grown closer in recent years due to shared geopolitical interests and economic complementarities. Both nations have supported each other on various regional issues, including the Qatar blockade in 2017–2021, during which Türkiye provided critical economic and military support to Doha. The High Strategic Committee has been instrumental in institutionalizing this partnership, with annual meetings facilitating high-level dialogue and cooperation.
Following the conclusion of the Doha meetings, President Erdogan and his delegation departed for Oman, marking the final stop of his three-day Gulf tour. The visit to Oman is expected to focus on similar themes of economic cooperation and regional stability, with discussions on trade, investment, and energy partnerships. Türkiye’s engagement with Gulf nations underscores its broader strategy to strengthen ties with the region, leveraging its strategic location and growing economic influence.
The agreements signed in Doha are expected to have far-reaching implications for Türkiye-Qatar relations, fostering closer collaboration in trade, defense, and strategic planning. As both nations navigate a complex regional landscape, their partnership serves as a model for cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. The 11th Meeting of the High Strategic Committee has not only reinforced existing ties but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives that could reshape economic and security dynamics in the region.