Trabzon, Turkey: Qatar and Turkey yesterday signed several agreements to strengthen cooperation in various fields, during the visit of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Turkey.
The Emir and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the international community to take measures to force the Assad regime to end the continuing bloodshed in Syria. The two leaders co-chaired the Second meeting of Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, which was held in the Turkish city of Trabzon yesterday.
Addressing the meeting, the Emir expressed satisfaction over the continued growth of the strong relations between the two countries. TheTurkish President greeted the Emir and the accompanying delegation, saying that the meeting was held on an extraordinary day that coincides with the National Day of Qatar.
Erdogan expressed, in his name and on behalf of the Turkish people, thanks and appreciation to Qatar for the solidarity with the people of Aleppo and cancelling all festivities of this day.
The Turkish President praised the relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of developing and deepening them to serve the interests of both sides. He pointed that the agreements signed during the first meeting of the Committee and the agreements to be signed during this meeting, will further strengthen the close cooperation between the two countries.
Erdogan said that the meeting comes at a sensitive and decisive phase for Turkey in its fight against terrorism, stressing the country's continuation to combat it in all its forms and types, and extending, at the same time, thanks to the Emir for Qatar's backing of Turkish anti-terrorism efforts and strong support against the failed military coup that took place in Turkey last July.
Turkish President said that the first call he received was from the Emir, lauding the visit of the Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to Turkey in the wake of the attempt as well as the visit of the Emir.
Erdogan also praised the Turkish-GCC joint dialogue, saying it will contribute to supporting stability in the region.
Pointing to his meeting with the Emir in terms of discussing the latest developments in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen, Erdogan stressed Turkey's support of legitimacy in Yemen, according to the Security Council resolution 2216, the Gulf initiative and outcomes of national dialogue conference.
The Emir started his speech reiterating strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing that took place in Turkey's Kayseri province, offering condolences and sincere sympathy to the innocent victims. The Emir expressed Qatar's strong condemnation of the criminal act, stressing solidarity withTurkey in all measures it takes to maintain security and stability.
He added that Qatar always supports Turkey against any terrorist challenges, stressing that what affects Turkey affects Qatar as well.
The Emir thanked President Erdogan for the warm reception accorded to him and the accompanying delegation, expressing satisfaction over the continued growth of the fraternal relations between the two countries. In this respect, he pointed out that the current visit confirms the strength of strategic relations and shared keenness to continue supporting them for the welfare and common interests of the two brotherly peoples.
The Emir concluded his speech saying that the meeting represents an important step on the road to closer cooperation between the two countries.
Visit to Trabzon
During the meeting, the two sides discussed and exchanged views on ways to further develop relations between the two brotherly countries in various fields.They also discussed key regional and international issues of common concern.
The meeting was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir and a number of Turkish Ministers.
The Emir and President Erdogan yesterday paid a visit to the city of Trabzon using a helicopter.
During the visit, the Emir viewed the most important landmarks of the city as well as its economic projects in the trade, tourism and agricultural sectors.
The two leaders yesterday discussed the latest developments in the region and particularly in Syria, in light of the tragic events in Aleppo as all international efforts to stop the genocide by the Syrian regime and its allies continue to stumble.
The Emir and the Turkish President called on the international community, during the bilateral meeting they held ahead of the second meeting of Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, to pressure the Syrian regime to end its massacres against innocent Syrian civilians and implement the resolutions of Geneva 1.
The two sides also called for intensifying international efforts to take immediate steps to protect unarmed civilians and provide them with safe passageways and guarantee the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The Emir and the Turkish President also discussed the latest developments in Palestine, Iraq, Libya and Yemen and stressed the importance of maintaining security and stability in those countries.
MoUs signed
The Emir and Erdogan later attended the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the governments of the two countries.
The signing ceremonies were held following the second meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee.
The agreements included: MoU for cooperation in the field of higher education for promoting cooperation through organizing seminars, lectures and scientific conferences and for strengthening graduate programmes between higher education institutions in the two countries.
MoU for cooperation in fields of information technology and communication for using information and communication technology in order to develop international competitiveness in the field of information technology.
MoU for cooperation in the fields of health and medical sciences to promote cooperation and exchange of expertise in the field of public health.
MoU for cooperation in the fields of youth and sports, aiming to encourage youth communication between the two countries through the exchange of expertise related to the protection of athletes, sports medicine, anti-doping and attention to the sport of persons with disabilities.
MoU for cooperation in the field of culture, to promote relations between the two countries' peoples through the organisation of cultural activities and the exchange of expertise.
Agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income was signed.
Agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs affairs and the plan of action between the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Turkish Entrepreneurship Strategy and Action Plan organization (KOSGEB).
MoU for cooperation in the field of agriculture, to develop cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agriculture and food industry.
MoU for cooperation between Qatar General Organization for Standardization (QS) and Turkish Standards Institution (TSE).
MoU for cooperation in the field of organizing exhibitions aimed at the exchanging experiences, information, data and statistics between the two countries in addition to exploring marketing opportunities.
MoU for cooperation between Qatar's Economic Zones Company (Manateq) and the department of free zones in the Turkish Ministry of Economy.
MoU for cooperation in the field of auditing between the Court of Accounts of the State of Qatar and the Turkish Court of Accounts to enhance cooperation in the areas of exchange of expertise, methodology of public external audit, training and the exchange of information and documents about the professional activities.
MoU for cooperation in the field of defence between the Government of the Qatar and the Government of Turkey.
Following the agreements and MoUs' signing, the final communique of the second meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee was signed.
