Qatar-Turkey Affair

Turk-Qatari relations are strategically destined at military, political and economic level.

Turkey has been trying to reach at its best to have stronger ties with the Gulf countries, especially Qatar. Earlier in 2015, both of the countries rooted a committee to look over and strengthen the relationship. The committee is bound to organize meetings between the officials of two countries. Explicitly, in past three months, Turkey-Qatar relations have reached at a new height. President Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamid Al Thani, address each other as “brothers.” However, in recent months the relation got a new momentum when Turkey rescued the Qatar during Gulf crisis. This engaging scenario calls for a more adjacent stare. In below we are going to analyze the key areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Turkey wants to Explore Qatar's Potential

During the Blockage

Firstly, when Gulf crisis occurred, Saudi Arabia cut off the ties and closed only land border with Qatar. Eventually, it blocked imports from reaching to Qatar. The supplies included basic food supplies. In order to avoid potential food deficit, Turkey responded within 48 hours of blockade sending cargo planes full of milk, yogurt and other food supplies. Similarly, due to the crisis, Qatar had to import goods from a longer route. Eventually, prices went high up to 5% in the country. However, Turkey again came to rescue with an idea that a new route should be followed which will include Qatar, Iran and Turkey.

Investments by Both Sides

Since the blockade, Turkish exports had been increased up to 9% according to the statistics released by Turkish exporters association. Meanwhile, Qatar has also invested about $450 million at Hamad port. Turkey was expectant that its products will remain to be imported by Qatar even if the sanctions lifted by region.

Accordingly, Qatar has invested about $20 Billion is Turkey which is the second biggest investment in Turkey by any country. Furthermore, in 2018, Qatar is planning to invest more than $20 Billion, which will directly flourish the agriculture and livestock industries. Qatar business chamber is confident over the business opportunities as their country is having strong relations with Turkey. Additionally, according to the Qatar’s chamber, Turkey is the biggest non-oil importer of Qatar.

Defense Concurrences

Turkey is willing to export Qatar $2 Billion worth of military equipment. This includes vehicles, drones, radars and communication devices. Additionally, Turkey also sells its defense industry products. In recent months joint exercises and trainings were conducted by Qatar at its soil.

Turkey is aware of Qatar’s potential that is why he wants to build stronger relationship and harmony between the militaries of both countries. The prescribed thing has already been achieved as when Russia soured its natural gas supply to Turkey, who shot down a Russian war plane in 2015 near its border. Straightaway, Qatar assented with Turkey to supply its liquefied natural gas.

Technological Assistance

Turkey and Qatar have launched a website containing online shopping portal for Qatari buyers who can buy online from Turkish peddlers. In case, trade will develop between the countries as an individual Qatar will reach at Turkish markets online. Additionally, transport and post and shipping ministries have signed an agreement when started the website program. According to the ministry of transport, the goods will reach Qatar within seven days and yet they are still working on to shorten the awaiting time.

Final Verdict

Turkey as an emerging economy wants to have allies in region and world. Turkey knows that Qatar wants to diversify its defense and security obtainments. Meanwhile, Qatari demands are beyond than Turkish technology. In summary, it’s been felt that Qatar wants to improve technologically while Turkey on the other hands as it is being getting away from United States wants to expel the financial problems.

Obviously, they want to coordinate in defense structures for the reason that they both are going through similar security messes. The growing powers of Iran and Russia in the regional countries like Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon are causing them to gaze over possible prospects. Additionally, the cooperation is based on the threat to both of the countries by Salafi network in the region.

Turk-Qatar friendship is built on personal friendship between the leaders. So far, the cooperation has not reached at its best. The process still needs a boost up in all the sectors. The bureaucracies of both countries should enforce considerable measures in security matters.