Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has underlined the depth of the brotherly relations between Qatar and Turkey, stressing that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is determined to develop these relations.
In an interview with Al-Sharq newspaper published yesterday, Yildirim said that the visit paid by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani to Turkey is an essential and important motivator for the two countries’ relations.
He added that Qatar and Turkey enjoy friendly and fraternal relations for a long time and they are also strategic countries.
The prime minister pointed to the broad joint investments and trade exchange as well as the economic relations between the two countries.
He also stressed that the two countries had common thoughts on regional and international issues, especially in terms of achieving security and stability in the region, adding that Qatar was making a great effort in this area and there was a joint effort between Turkey and Qatar to resolve the crisis in Syria as well as the Palestinian cause.
In the past year, the two countries signed a strategic partnership, and the first meeting in this regard was held in Doha, Yildirim said, pointing out that during the Qatari Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey the second meeting will be held in the framework of this partnership to promote bilateral relations.
The Turkish premier praised Qatar’s stance and support for Turkey during the failed coup attempt and the Turkish people will never forget this.
About the countries that supported the coup attempt launched by Fethullah Gulen organisation, Yildirim said that Turkey was looking at parties and states that backed the coup attempt, and it cannot accuse any party or country without an objective evidence.
Regarding the steps taken by the Turkish government after the coup attempt, Yildirim said that people who were arrested in the first phase participated directly in the coup and investigation revealed other persons involved in this attempt.
Fethullah Gulen organisation thought that the conditions were ripe for implementing the coup plans and they have committed a treason and will pay the price for this treason.
Yildirim said that Turkey rules out that the United States will refrain from Gulen’s extradition and his country is continuing its efforts to achieve this through legal process.
On the issue of refugees and relations with the European Union, he that Turkey was not a threatening state, but takes measures against threats, referring to the nearly 3mn refugees living in Turkey.
About the Turkish military operation in Syria, Yildirim said that the support given by Turkey to the Free Syrian Army aims to get rid of the terrorist organisations as soon as possible, to return Syrian refugees to their country and to protect the Turkish border and citizens.
He also stressed that Ankara will never accept Syria being divided and turned into smaller sectarian statelets, pointing out that if so there will be no calm or stability in all countries of the region, and that everyone would be affected, especially the Muslim world.
Turkey is making contacts and talks with several countries to achieve a solution in Syria, Yildirim said.
Regarding relations with Egypt, the Turkish prime minister indicated that there is no problem between the Egyptian and Turkish peoples, and that the two peoples are willing to normalise relations.
He also underlined that his country sought to develop its relations with the GCC countries, stressing that Turkey’s future is the future of the region.


Erdogan meets Qatar Prime Minister


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani in Kulliye Palace in Ankara yesterday.
At the outset of the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Turkish President, wishing him and the brotherly Turkish people further development and prosperity.
For his part, President Erdogan entrusted HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani with his greetings to HH the Emir, wishing him the best of health and happiness and for Qatar further development and prosperity.
Talks during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and means of enhancing them in various fields, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
HE the Prime Minister left Ankara in the evening ending a two-day official visit of the Turkey. Page 3