Relations between Qatar and Turkey are constantly growing particularly when compared to the ties with other countries. Qatar’s Ambassador to Turkey, Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi speaking to The Peninsula about a wide range of bilateral topics.
How do you assess the Qatari- Turkish relations comparing to the past ?
We look at the bilateral relations of the two countries in a very positive way and they are on the right track. We always seek to maintain momentum of the existing relations to achieve common strategic goals which we are aspiring to achieve. If we compare the current relations to the situation five to ten years ago, we will note the big differences. Qatar- Turkish relation today is stronger than ever, thanks to the wise vision of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani and the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an. Relations between the two countries are constantly growing particularly when compared to relations with other countries in the world. The Emir’s visits to Turkey is one of the indicators. “The Emir visited Turkey since 2013 until yesterday. These visits are the highest comparing to his visit to other countries, not to mention visits of Ministers and senior officials.”
President Erdogan also visited Qatar eight times, six of them as a president and two as prime minister and the last visit was in November. Our relation is based on solid ground of principals, values and common interests. Cooperation and coordination at local, regional and global levels and in different fields has boosted confidence. The Supreme Strategic joint committee was established in 2014 and since then it has made great contribution to boost ties and institutionalise cooperation and speed up the process of achievement of goals.
Regarding the Supreme Strategic Committee, when it is going to hold its second meeting and what will be discussed?
As you know the committee held its first meeting in Doha last year at the level of leadership. The meeting was very positive and fruitful and around 16 bilateral agreements were signed. The agreements covered multiple sectors including security, banks, financial, education, health, information, achieve, transport and energy. The second meeting will be held in Ankara and will witness signing of several agreements. There are 15 agreements, memorandum of understanding, and protocols being prepared since the first meeting. These agreements will cover variety of areas such as culture, youth and sports, health, medical, aviations, justice, environment, energy, management of free zone, investments, customs, recruitment of manpower, humanitarian cooperation and military. We are working hard to finalise these agreements and forward them to the meeting of the higher strategic committee at leadership in Ankara and most probably before the end of this year (November of December). The meeting will be preceded by technical meetings of concerned senior officials and ministers in order to prepare for the summit.
How do you see the investment and economic relation of the two countries?
Our economic and trade witnessed significant development during the last decade but still we aspire for more under the excellent political relations of our countries. The two countries have economic potentials and wealth which requires them to have the highest level of complementary economic partnership. Commercially, we are seeking to raise the trade volume to $ 5bn, along with efforts to boost investment focusing on priority areas such construction and contracting, energy, banks, industry and transportation. The expected investment will be in tens of billions of dollars. Some of these investments faced delay as huge investments need to be well studied before signing agreements.
What is the nature of Qatari investments in Turkey, is it only government or there is also private sector investments?
Qatari investments in Turkey are varied and focused on vital sectors, feasible and in areas representing added value to the economy of the two states. These investments are not only governmental, but there are many Qatari businessmen who are running their own investments in infrastructure projects, services and tourism sector.
What is position of energy in the relation of the two countries?
As Qatar is one of the major players in the area of energy in the region and the world especially in production and exports of LNG. Turkey is economically emerging state and energy is a key element in economic advance and prosperity. Both sides gives much importance to develop their cooperation in the area of energy, whether by exporting LNG to Turkey or encouraging Qatari investment in Turkey in the field of energy. We have the potential to effectively contribute to the development of energy sector in Turkey. Increasing LNG export to Turkey and the possibility of storing gas Turkish facilities were discussed after the higher strategic committee finished its meeting in the past year.
In light of the agreements signed with Turkey, is there Qatari plan to establish educational and cultural institutions in Turkey?
Yes in 2015 Qatar and Turkey signed cultural cooperation protocol then we have made great effort to make the Qatari – Turkish cultural year features cultural activities in both countries. Thanks to Allah that we made significant success. “It was unprecedented advance but still there are more efforts needed in this regard and that is what we are preparing for the cultural agreements to be signed soon”. There are also joint cultural and educational projects working on, but there are some educational institutions that have been established in Turkey with Qatari initiative and will be open soon. Turkey has opened Yunis Amra Institute in Doha to teach Turkish language and both sides are encouraging such cultural projects and we expect more in the future.
What is the volume of Qatari- Turkish cooperation in humanitarian aspect, in particular supporting Syrian refugees in Turkey?
In the humanitarian aspects there is great cooperation between the two countries in particular support devoted to Syrian refugees in Turkey or displaced in side Syrian. It is our duty and commitment to support the Syrian as much as we can under the current crisis. In 2014 Qatar donated $20m to the joint humanitarian fund of the Humanitarian Affairs Office at UN as major supporters of the fund. Qatar also donated $100m at the 4th Conference of Syria donators held in London February 2016. The Qatari support to the Syrian refugees since the crisis commence of the crisis has reached $1.5bn. Turkey is currently hosting 2.5 million Syrian around 300,000 to 500,000 of them are living in 25 refugee camps distributed in ten Turkish towns. This fact has made Turkey a point of attraction to humanitarian efforts and Qatari charities like Qatar Red Crescent, Qatar Charity, RAF, Eid Charity and others.
