(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
Qatar and Turkey have reaffirmed their joint commitment to continue strengthening the regional and global efforts to establish international peace and security, combat terrorism and resolve conflicts by peaceful means.
The joint communique of the seventh meeting of Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee on the meeting held in Doha was released yesterday. The meeting was chaired by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and President of Turkey H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Both sides discussed many aspects of their strong and distinguished relationship including: Regional security and cooperation in the areas of defense, health, trade and investment, energy, aviation, tourism, culture and education. The two sides welcomed the significant progress since the sixth meeting held in Ankara on November 26, 2020.
Regional and Global Affairs:
The State of Qatar and Republic of Turkey focused on strengthening their bilateral relationship to reach the level of complementary partnership. Both countries reaffirmed their joint commitment to continue strengthening the regional and global efforts to establish international peace and security, combat terrorism and resolve conflicts by peaceful means.
They expressed their desire to work together within the framework of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue. They also called for cooperation by hosting the State of Qatar for its third summit.
The two sides expressed their mutual appreciation for both countries active mediation efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in some of the most enduring and intractable conflicts around the world, and for their effective leadership of other efforts to achieve these goals.
The Republic of Turkey commended the Shura Council elections that took place in the State of Qatar October 2, 2021, which was held under the directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Committee welcomed the outcomes of the Al-Ula Agreement and the direction of the Gulf relations to return back to normal, and emphasized the importance of the stability and security in the Gulf region.
The two sides underlined the importance of engaging the Caretaker Government in Afghanistan in order to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the country and to address the concerns of the international community in the areas of regional stability, countering terrorism and increased irregular migration. Both sides called on international organizations and donor nations to increase their efforts to provide urgent humanitarian and economic aid to Afghan people.
Furthermore, they encouraged the Caretaker Government to advance on a path of political inclusivity and protection of fundamental human rights of all components of Afghan people, including women and girls. The two sides reiterated their commitment to continue their cooperation regarding the future operations of Kabul International Airport as part of their enduring commitment to the brotherly Afghan people.
Both sides condemned the increasing escalation of Islamophobic rhetoric (Islamophobia) and the populist discourse that incites abuse and aggression because of religious affiliation, they affirmed their total rejection of all forms of hate speech on the basis of creed, race or religion.
Both sides affirmed their full commitment and solidarity in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and their continuing efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation. They reaffirmed their determination to cooperate against the threats posed by terrorist organizations, including DAESH, PKK/PYD/YPG and FETO as well as their affiliates.
Both sides expressed their deep concern over the recent developments in the Palestinian issue, which undermine the two-state solution, and they renewed their absolute support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to establish their independent state on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital and with all Palestinian refugees granted the right of return. They also concluded that any support for Israel's illegal annexation of the occupied lands constitutes a real obstacle impediment for the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya and their support for the Government of National Unity and the Presidential Council.
The two countries reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. They called on the international community to support efforts that aim to establish calm on the ground and contribute to a credible and sustainable political solution. Both sides expressed their expectations for the continuation of the work of the UN led Constitutional Committee in a constructive and result-oriented manner. The two sides renewed their commitment to continue their support to Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey.
The meeting discussed Iraq's political unity and territorial integrity as foundations for ensuring peace and stability in the region. the two sides expressed their support for the efforts of the Iraqi government to establish stability in the country.
The Committee stressed the importance of Yemen's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the need to end the war in that country through national reconciliation and constructive dialogue as a basis for a lasting political settlement in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The two sides stressed the need to reach a political settlement on Cyprus issue through constructive dialogue based on existing facts on the Island.
Both countries affirmed their support for Sudan's sovereignty and political independence and non-interference in its internal affairs, respecting the desire and aspirations of the people of Sudan to live in a democratic country that enjoys security, stability and prosperity. Both countries welcome the agreement reached between the President of the Sovereignty Council of the Sudan, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdouk on the return to the transition process within the framework of the Constitutional Declaration.
The Committee welcomed the progress made by the Federal Republic of Somalia in its nation-building efforts, emphasizing the importance of holding free, fair and transparent elections in a timely manner to enhance security, stability and prosperity. The two parties agreed to increase and develop their cooperation with Somalia.
Cooperation in the Field of Education and Culture:
The two sides expressed their willingness to further develop their cooperation in the fields of culture and education.
Cooperation in the field of health:
The State of Qatar and Republic of Turkey affirmed their firm position to secure public health conditions worldwide against the COVID-19 pandemic, which poses an unprecedented challenge to all of humanity as well as economic activities and social life.
The State of Qatar indicated its contribution by providing more than 88 million dollars to support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 78 countries and global multilateral organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in five continents around the world.
Partnership in the field of trade, finance, investment and energy:
The two sides pledged to further strengthen their bilateral relations in the financial services sector and continue acting in close financial coordination.
The parties welcomed the signing of the Agreement on the Extension and Amendment of the Turkish Lira - Qatari Rial Currency Exchange Arrangement between the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and the Central Bank of Qatar.
The Committee welcomed the progress made in mutual investments in the past year, and the fact that Qatari investments in Turkey have reached the equivalent of $33.2bn at the end of 2020. Both sides pledged to explore more ways to support the diversification of economic relations and financial coordination between them.
Both sides agreed to increase their cooperation in infrastructure projects in both countries. Qatar appreciated the role of Turkish companies in infrastructure development projects in Qatar in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and development plans within the framework of Qatar Vision 2030.
The State of Qatar has proposed the establishment of a“Turkish Free Economic Zone” in the areas supervised by the Qatar Free Zones Authority, which was established in the year 2018. This provides unique opportunities to combine Turkish industrial innovation with the global competitive advantages of the Qatari economy to enable Turkish investors to access additional markets in India, Asia and Africa.
Both sides welcomed the promotion of general commercial projects in the fields of food packaging, manufacturing and port services.
The two parties agreed to discuss the possibility of developing power plant projects in the Republic of Turkey using natural gas or renewable energy on the basis of having an independent power production system, and by signing a long-term agreement with the concerned authorities by the government of Turkey to purchase the generated electricity.
Defense cooperation:
The State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey emphasized the vital contribution of their defense partnership to regional security and stability.
In accordance with the common will expressed at the previous meetings of the Supreme Strategic Committee, the two sides welcomed the achievements made in defense industry cooperation, and reiterated their determination to further enhance cooperation in this area with a long-term strategic perspective.
The two sides agreed that bilateral defense cooperation has the potential to be further developed to include cooperation especially on manufacturing of engine parts, engine maintenance, repair and overhaul activities, unmanned vehicles (air, land, naval) and anti-drone solutions, missile technologies, simulators and naval platforms.
Cooperation in the field of civil aviation, transportation and science:
The Committee highlighted the close cooperation that exists in the field of civil aviation between the two countries. It called on the aviation authorities to strengthen and develop the rights of movement granted to designated air carriers, and urged to focus on the coordination issues, related to increase the volume of passenger, and cargo traffic between the two countries.
Both sides noted the importance of having a bilateral memorandum of understanding addressing the approaches to the sustainability of road and traffic systems and to mitigating the effects of climate change in the context of international cooperation in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
Cooperation in the field of tourism, culture and education:
In the context of noting the solid foundations linking the two countries in the fields of culture, youth, sports, education, science, archives and libraries, both countries affirmed their intention to further deepen cooperation in these areas.
Development Cooperation:
The Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar are looking forward to strengthening their strategic cooperation in both the humanitarian, relief and development sectors with the relevant authorities in Republic of Turkey, namely the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) as well as the Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA) in order to implement the sustainable development goals and work with the countries of common interest.
Solidarity and Unity:
Both countries emphasized the importance of their relationship in a way that would benefit and achieve the common interests for both of them, as well as the security, stability and prosperity of the region. The two sides agreed to continue to closely follow up the implementation of the recommendations and decisions of the Supreme Strategic Committee.
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