Doha, Qatar: Highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between Turkiye and Qatar, H E Dr. M Mustafa Goksu, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye, emphasised the significance of bilateral relationships in global affairs.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Dr. Goksu emphasised the evolving nature of the relations and their broader implications beyond national borders.

“Our relationship with Qatar is not just improving; it is becoming stronger every day,” stated Ambassador Dr. Goksu. Reflecting on the strategic alliance between the two nations, Dr. Goksu underscored its global importance.

“The relationship between Qatar and Turkiye is crucial not only for our countries but also for global stakeholders,” he said.

Ambassador Dr. Goksu also explained that whenever any international issue arises, eyes turn to Qatar for its proactive stance and willingness to contribute positively. He also commended Qatar’s influential role in global diplomacy despite its smaller geographic size.

H E Dr. M. Mustafa Goksu, Ambassador of Turkiye explaining photos of Turkiye’s failed coup attempt which were displayed during the event.Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil / The Peninsula 

Dr. Goksu also emphasised the distinctive nature of the Qatar-Turkiye relationship, rooted in principles of justice and mutual support.

“In every country, relations with others are typically based on mutual interests. However, the relationship between Qatar and Turkiye stands out because it consistently prioritises upholding rights.”

This principled stance, Dr. Goksu noted, forms the foundation of enduring cooperation and solidarity between the two nations.

Ambassador Dr. Goksu was speaking on the sidelines of a media event held at the Turkish embassy in Doha, on the 8th anniversary of the July 15 failed coup attempt in Turkiye. Photos of the failed coup attempt were displayed during the event.

Highlighting the solidarity and support offered by the State of Qatar to Turkiye in the aftermath of July 15, 2016, he said, “We will never forget the solidarity of the brothers in Qatar with our country. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was the first leader to call President Erdogan and to show support and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was one of the first foreign officials to visit Turkiye in the aftermath of the coup attempt.”

“In the last few years, Turkiye have survived many challenging times including the July 15 coup attempt, COVID-19 pandemic and the biggest earthquake disaster in the last century that hit 11 cities in the Southern region of Turkiye claiming the lives of around 60 thousand people and we are grateful to Qatar for extending Turkiye generous help to ease the sufferings of earthquake victims by providing urgent needs,” he added. 

Turning attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Ambassador Dr. Goksu said that Turkiye has been working very closely with the countries in the region, especially with Qatar, on the Gaza issue, as in all other regional issues. “We are closely following Qatar’s efforts to reach a ceasefire and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid in Gaza and appreciate its successful mediation efforts,” he said.

He emphasised that Qatar and Turkiye are working on the ‘Early Recovery Plan’ in Gaza and preparing for ‘the day after.’

“I’m sure one day the ceasefire is going to happen. From now onwards we have to prepare ourselves what we are going to do,” he said adding that technical teams are working on a plan and it will be shared with other countries.  Ambassador Dr. Goksu said that Turkiye has the capacity and experience in construction of permanent infrastructure and superstructure and wishes to utilise this capacity in the ‘Early Recovery Plan’ in Gaza.