Erdoğan visits Qatar as part of Gulf tour

Türkiye and Qatar agreed to further boost bilateral ties in various fields, according to a joint statement issued after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to the Gulf country on Tuesday.

"On the basis of our strategic relations and bilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, economic and commercial fields, and in line with the directives of the wise leaders of the two countries, we are determined to continue our joint efforts to coordinate in various fields to ensure the continuity of the strengthening of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two brotherly countries and peoples."

The Turkish and Qatari foreign ministers signed the declaration during Erdoğan's visit to Qatar, marking a half-century since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"We are pleased to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar in 2023," it said. "Türkiye-Qatar relations have undergone a qualitative transformation since (their) establishment in 1973 until (they) reached the stage of strategic partnership."

The declaration also stressed that Türkiye-Qatar relations reflect "deep-rooted" historical ties built on political and social foundations.

"The current strategic partnership between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar is fruitful at all levels, and the two countries have similar approaches on most regional and international issues," it added.

Erdoğan arrived in Qatar's capital Doha on Tuesday on the second leg of his three-nation Gulf tour to further strengthen regional ties.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed Erdoğan with an official ceremony. They are holding one-on-one talks followed by inter-delegation...