Joint Communiqué of the Twelfth Session of the Supreme Strategic Committee Between the State of Qatar the and Republic of TürkiyeIstanbul | 13 November 2026The 12th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee betweenthe State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye was held on 13 November 2026, in İstanbul, Türkiye, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, with participation of the Ministers responsible for the areas of cooperation stated in the Joint Accord on the Establishment of the Supreme Strategic Committee dated 19 December 2014.The session, held in a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood, reflected once again strong historical bonds, distinguished relations and the common understanding between the two countries as well as the willingness to further enhance their partnership in all fields.The Supreme Strategic Committee commended the efforts of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, responsible for coordination and preparation of the sessions of the Supreme Strategic Committee, and for preparing the 12th session of the Committee, and welcomed their preparatory committee meeting held on 13 November 2026 as well as the preparatory meeting held at Senior Officials level on 12November 2026.The two sides commended the success of the Supreme Strategic Committee as the highest institutional mechanism of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye and its contributions to the achievement of exceptional relations between two countries.The committee reviewed the progress in areas of cooperation referred in the outcome documents of the 11th session and expressed their satisfaction with the level of ongoing cooperation.Trade, Finance, Investment and EnergyTaking into account the potential of the two countries’ economies and reiterating their goal to reach 5 billion USD trade volume in near future; the two sides agreed to explore new opportunities to expand and diversify trade and economic relations as well as the contribution of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) towards achieving this goal.Furthermore, both sides noted that the significant Qatariinvestments in Türkiye and that Turkish contracting companies have undertaken 206 projects in Qatar worth USD 20.8 billion, and agreed to further strengthen economic and trade cooperation.The two sides also stressed their desire to further strengthen the existing economic and financial cooperation in public-private partnerships and exchange of experience between institutions and business communities in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Ministry of Finance of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye.Both Sides underlined the importance of Qatar-Türkiye Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) for enhancing bilateral trade relations, and expressed their readiness to convene the second session of the JETCO meeting in Doha.Regarding the fostering bilateral trade and economic relations, both sides agreed to hold the 7th Session of Qatar-Türkiye Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation which was established on March 11,1985 at the earliest convenient time in Doha.The two sides welcomed the entry into force of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed in 2018, on August 1, 2025, considering it a pivotal milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and a qualitative step toward expanding the horizons of joint economic, trade, and investment cooperation. This agreement provides a comprehensive framework to enhance trade exchange, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and encourage mutual investments, thereby contributing to deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries and supporting regional economic integration. This step also reflects the shared vision of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye toward achieving sustainable development and fostering an attractive and integrated business environment, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Century of Türkiye economic development goals.Both sides welcomed the progress made in discussions on the initiative, for enhancing traditional trade routes, facilitating and diversifying trade flows, and strengthening supply chain resilience.In this context, both sides recognized the important momentum generated by the official visit to Ankara on 24–25 August 2026, led by H.E. Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the State of Qatar, accompanied by representatives of relevant Qatari authorities, during which discussions were held with H.E. Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, and H.E. Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye.The two sides also agreed on the importance of continuing to hold the Qatar-Türkiye business forums and enhancing mutual visits between the two countries, as they serve as effective platforms for strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation and for exchanging expertise between the two business communities. In this context, the Co-Chairs of the Qatar-Türkiye Joint Economic and Financial Committee, H.E. Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye, and H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance of the State of Qatar, convened the meeting of the Joint Economic and Financial Committee in Istanbul on 19-20 February 2025. The two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral economic and financial relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepening economic ties and enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors. In this regard, they agreed to take concrete steps aimed at advancing cooperation across areas of mutual interest.To encourage ongoing activities within the Turkish and Qatari private sector, the two sides agreed to increase participation in trade events and exhibitions and facilitate trade promotion activities between them.Both sides welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Consumer Protection andMarket Surveillance and underscored its importance in further enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, and strengthening institutional collaboration between the two countries in the margins of the Twelfth Session of the Supreme Strategic Committee.In this regard, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitmentfor advancing the initiative of the “Memorandum of Understanding on the Facilitation of Regional Trade, whichaims establishing a coordinated framework for trade and logistics cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity, and facilitating more efficient, diversified, and resilient trade flows for mutual benefit through historical and traditional trade routes, in coordination with relevant partner countries.The parties expressed their confidence that the banking and financial relations between Türkiye and Qatar, built upon the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, will continue to grow in the period ahead on the basis of mutual trust and shared interests, and will be further strengthened through new opportunities for cooperation.The Parties expressed their respective commitment to bilateral and regional energy security and to further enhancing their cooperation in the energy sector, including the diversification of energy sources and the strengthening of regional energy supply security.The Parties expressed their readiness to realize concrete energy collaborations, particularly in LNG trade, building on their strong, long-standing relationships.Cooperation in the Field of Culture and EducationThe Parties emphasized the importance they attach to further developing the existing cooperation in the field of education between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar. In this regard, they agreed to strengthen cooperation in the establishment and operation of educational institutions, professional development of teachers, promotion of Turkish and Arabic language teaching, exchange of knowledge and experience in education, and encouragement of student and teacher mobility.The two sides welcomed the signing of the Agreement in the Field of Education and expressed their confidence that it would further enhance bilateral cooperation and promote deeper collaboration between the relevant institutions of both countries in the field of education.The parties expressed their satisfaction with the steps to be taken towards the development of cultural relations between Qatar and Türkiye.Qatar and Türkiye agreed to activate cultural, artistic and folkloric activities and events that reflect the rich culture and history of the two countries, and expand the horizon of cultural harmony between the peoples of the two sisterly countries.In this regard, the two sides also commended the efforts made in organizing exhibitions and mutual activities to celebrate the historical and cultural commonalities that constitute an important pillar in the consolidation of cultural diplomacy between the two countries, through activities organized under the auspices of cultural centers and exhibitions in relevant fields.The Parties agreed to cooperate in the fields of protection, preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. They also agreed to support the exchange of technical knowledge, experience and experts, and the organization of meetings and training programs.The two sides expressed their desire to enhance avenues of cooperation through the exchange of expertise between the Turkish National Commission in the fields of education, culture, and science, and the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science of the State of Qatar as well as through the development of digital educational platforms in both countries.Both sides discussed the possibility of a joint scholarship program, including potential contributions from the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). They noted that such a program could provide students from conflict-affected and disadvantaged countries in the Islamic world with opportunities to study at universities in Qatar and Türkiye. Any participation or contribution would be subject to the respective institutions’ internal approvals and a separate written agreement.Cooperation in the Field of Media and CommunicationTechnologiesThe two sides welcomed the progress achieved under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Fields of Information and Communication Technology signed on 4 December 2023 and agreed to conduct concrete joint work programs in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and cybersecurity. The two sides underlined their readiness to further develop cooperation between their national cybersecurity authorities in the areas of exchange of experience and capacity building.Türkiye congratulated the State of Qatar on its successful hosting of the Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The two sides agreed to continue their coordination and mutual support in the field of information and communication technologies within international organizations, in particular the ITU.Cooperation in the Field of Public HealthThe two sides affirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in the health sector by activating the executive program and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries through the establishment of a joint working group or committee.Both sides welcomed the readiness of the Ministry of Public Health of the State of Qatar and the Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK) to exchange expertise, share information, and provide training programs for the relevant institutions in both countries in the areas of halal accreditation and quality infrastructure for halal products.The two sides also underscored the importance of strengthening international cooperation within the framework of the OIC Global Halal Quality Infrastructure and welcomed the willingness of HAK to engage in cooperation activities through the Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies (IFHAB).Cooperation in the field of Youth and SportsThe two sides expressed their readiness to cooperate in the fields of youth and sports.The Implementation Program between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the State of Qatar in the fields of youth and sports for the years (2025-2026), constitutes a concrete legal framework for strengthening cooperation in this field.Cooperation in the field of Labour and EmploymentBoth sides expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation resulting from the legal framework established in the areas of labour and employment.The two sides have reached an agreement to hold the fourth meeting of the Joint Working Committee established under the Labor Force Employment Agreement dated April 1, 1986, and the first meeting of the Joint Committee established under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Labor dated November 4, 2023, jointly.Cooperation in the Field of DefenseBoth parties expressed their determination to address mutual security concerns as a strategic priority and to further enhance cooperation on defense-related issues.The parties commended the signing of the Mutual Defense Agreement between Qatar and Türkiye with the aim of strengthening collective defense and promoting regional security and stability, and a unified stance in confronting any external armed attack targeting either party or both of them.The two sides reaffirmed that the Agreement reflects not only the commitment of its signatories to safeguarding their sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also their shared vision of contributing to a more secure and stable regional order.In this context, both parties agreed to consult on, threats to their security as well as regional and global security issues and defense policies, and to enhance cooperation through joint military exercises, defense industry cooperation and personnel training exchanges.The two sides commended the signing of the BadrMemorandum by Qatar, Türkiye, Pakistan and Indonesia as an important step towards enhancing their collective capacity to meet defense requirements through the development of indigenous capabilities. They noted that the Memorandum will pave the way for closer cooperation in the fields of joint production, technology development, exchange of information and expertise, as well as the strengthening of defense industrial infrastructure and supply chains.Cooperation in the Field of Science, Technology,Innovation and IndustryThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation and reaffirmed their aspiration, recorded at the Eleventh Meeting, to continue developing key technologies together.The two sides expressed their desire to further strengthen their strategic partnership through joint investments and projects in industry, technology and innovation. Both sides emphasized the importance of advancing cooperation under the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development, enhancing supply chain integration, and supporting SMEs through joint initiatives and technology development.Both sides highlighted the importance of fostering closer linkages among technology start-ups, technoparks, research institutions and investors in both countries. In this regard, they expressed their readiness to explore opportunities for joint acceleration programmes, entrepreneur and investor networking initiatives, and activities aimed at facilitating mutual market access.The Parties welcomed the strategic partnership agreement signed between Türksat and Es’hailSat on 19 May 2026, and the Es’hail-3/Türksat-Biruni satellite project as a concrete example of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of space and satellite technologies. The two sides expressed their determination to provide the necessary support for the successful implementation of this partnership and encouraged their space agencies and research institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation in small satellites, Earth observation and satellite communications.Both sides underlined the importance they attach to developing national capabilities in artificial intelligence. They encouraged the exchange of experience between the national large language models of the two countries on multilingual and culturally aware artificial intelligence, as well as the establishment of a direct dialogue between the institutions responsible for the implementation of Türkiye’s National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of the State of Qatar. The two sides also agreed to explore opportunities for joint research and researcher exchange between their research institutions in the fields of quantum computing and quantum communications.Cooperation in the Field of SecurityBoth sides expressed their will to increase their cooperation in the field of law enforcement training, security and required fields in accordance with the agreement of “Security Cooperation Protocol in Education and Training” signed on 02 December, 2015, and “Agreement of Security Cooperation” signed on 25 December, 2001. Furthermore, the two countries will jointly organize meetings for the purpose of exchanging knowledge, supporting training programs and projects.Within this framework, Türkiye and Qatar can implement short and long term programs aimed at delivering security-related assistance, including technical support and training. These initiatives will be coordinated via the international cooperation departments and contact points of their respective Ministries of Interior, as well as bilateral meetings of the Joint Turkish-Qatari Security Committee, ultimately serving to exchange expertise and enhance the institutional and operational capabilities of both law enforcement forces.The parties affirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between The Turkish Data Protection Authority (KVKK) and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) of Qatar aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of data protection and enhance potential joint initiatives. This memorandum will establish the general framework for cooperation regarding the sharing of best practices between the two authorities, while also enabling collaborative efforts in the area of personal data protection. They agreed that this cooperation will facilitate the sharing of best practices and the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of personal data protection between the two institutions.Development, Humanitarian and Relief CooperationThe two sides welcomed the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement on Humanitarian Aid signed in Ankara on 14 November 2024 and agreed to convene the Joint Committee for Coordination and Cooperation provided for in its Article 4.The two sides expressed deep concern at the growing number of attacks, acts of violence and threats against humanitarian personnel. They reiterated their commitment to the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and reaffirmed their support for the call in Security Council resolution 2730 (2024) on all States to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel, in accordance with the international law. Both sides urge the immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian workers and UN personnel.They also commended the bilateral efforts of the two countries’ relevant authorities in the field of Development, Humanitarian and Relief Cooperation in third countries.The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing consultations and coordination on matter of mutual concern in the fields of international development and humanitarian cooperation.The two sides agreed to coordinate their support for the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza as well as the humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza. They also called for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza, and agreed to cooperate closely to scale up shelter and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Both sides also underscore the urgent need for action, as the first flash floods of the winter season have struck Palestinians in Gaza, further exacerbating their already dire living conditions and rendering them increasingly unbearable.Cooperation in the Field of Environment and Climate ChangeThe Parties underlined the importance of cooperation on sustainable development and climate change. In this context, Qatar congratulated Türkiye on successfully organizing the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) from 9 to 20 November 2026.Both sides agreed to collaborate closely on promoting environmental sustainability initiatives and practices to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering innovation and resource efficiency, including the Zero Waste Initiative in areas of shared interest.Cooperation in the Field of Family and Social ServicesThe two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in the field of family and social services, based on the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries. In this regard, they emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanging knowledge and experience in areas such as strengthening the family institution, child protection, the empowerment of women, services for older persons and persons with disabilities, and social assistance programs.Regional and International IssuesThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the high-level dialogue, cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues.The two sides affirmed that the Political Consultations held on 14 May 2026 provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest. The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the constructive outcome of the consultations and looked forward to holding the next round of Political Consultations on a mutually agreed date in 2027.Türkiye and Qatar have demonstrated their commitment to further strengthening and institutionalizing their existing cooperation in the fields of mediation and conflict resolution by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Peace.Recognizing their respective roles in mediation and facilitation, Türkiye and Qatar have agreed to further strengthen their cooperation and coordination, including through regular consultations and the exchange of expertise, and to continue their joint efforts to prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts and promote lasting peace and stability through mediation, facilitation and preventive diplomacy.As mediating countries, in close cooperation with the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt, both sides expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza that undermine the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), including its second phase, following the Palestinian factions’ acceptance of the relevant implementation roadmap. They called on Israel to complyfully with all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and international law, and stressed the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access.The Parties strongly condemned Israel’s illegal settlement activities, settler violence and terrorism, land confiscation and forced displacement in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and rejected all measures aimed at altering the legal, geographic and demographic status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They also reiterated their categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, while recognizing the special role of the historical Hashemite custodianship They condemned continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers and officials into Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, and reaffirmed that the entire area of the Mosque, amounting to 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department is the competent authority for its administration.🔗 For the full Statement, please visit our website: https://t.co/4eeNhlqmcj#MOFAQatar
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 13, 2026

President @RTErdogan met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar at Dolmabahçe Presidential Office in Istanbul. https://t.co/17zjrLC92o
— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) November 13, 2026