Qatar and Turkiye have historical relations, which have grown stronger over time. The partnership between the two countries has evolved into strategic relations since 1973, when the two countries established diplomatic bilateral relations. Qatar-Turkiye cooperation got another boost on Tuesday with the signing of agreements between Qatar’s satellite operator Es’hailSat with Turkiye’s satellite operator Turksat and a manufacturing contract with France’s Thales Alenia Space
Es’hail Sat has described the signing of the deals as the company’s most significant investment till date, saying the agreements will accelerate its regional expansion and strengthen Qatar-Turkiye cooperation in the space sector.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani attended the signing of the agreement between Qatar and Turkiye to jointly develop Qatar’s third satellite. Under the agreement, Es’hailSat and Turksat will combine their satellite assets, ground infrastructure, distribution networks and customer relationships to expand satellite and communications services across complementary markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The companies said the partnership is intended to meet growing demand for high-throughput broadband services, mobile communications for the aviation and maritime sectors, and government and enterprise VSAT services. It will also allow the partners to share investment in infrastructure, optimise satellite capacity and maximise the commercial potential of the Es’hail-3/Turksat-Biruni satellite.
The partnership with Turksat represents a shared vision for innovation and sustainable growth in the space sector, while the agreement with Thales Alenia Space will enable Es’hailSat to deliver high-quality communications services, expand into strategic new markets and strengthen the resilience and independence of Qatar’s communications infrastructure.
The project represents a response to the rapidly evolving satellite communications market. By combining infrastructure and expertise, the two countries are strengthening capabilities and delivering next-generation connectivity that will create significant opportunities for both the public and private sectors.
The agreements lay the foundation for the next phase of Es’hailSat’s growth across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The relations between the two countries represent a model for interstate relations, evident in mutual visits at the level of leaders, ministers, and officials from various sectors, as well as multiple committees for economic, trade, and financial cooperation, and joint forums and exhibitions. The growing trade volume between them demonstrates the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in light of the presence of direct shipping lines, a number of agreements signed between them, and an abundance of mutual investments.
