H E Dr. M Mustafa Göksu
Doha: Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the State of Qatar H E Dr. M. Mustafa Göksu has said that Türkiye and Qatar have consistently demonstrated a shared vision in their foreign policy approach.
The Ambassador said that Türkiye-Qatar relations, which celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023, have been developing promptly in every field and gaining a strategic character based on mutual trust.
“This strategic partnership was institutionalised through the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Committee in 2014, a mechanism that has since served as a cornerstone for enhanced cooperation.
“Through successive meetings of the Committee, Türkiye and Qatar have signed 117 agreements so far across a wide range of fields, including defense, trade, investment, energy, culture, and education.
“Türkiye and Qatar have consistently demonstrated a shared vision in their foreign policy approach, particularly in regions experiencing humanitarian crises and political instability such as Gaza, Syria, Somalia, and Libya,” he added.
Dr. M Mustafa Göksu said that Türkiye remains firmly committed to combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with unwavering respect for international law and the rule of law.
“We act in line with international counterterrorism norms and contribute actively to global security. For decades we have been effectively countering terrorism ranging from FETO to the ethnic separatist PKK/YPG/SDF, and the leftist DHKP-C to religiously motivated terrorist groups such as DAESH. Thus, Türkiye’s counterterrorism strategy is holistic and consistent,” the Ambassador said in a media briefing held to mark the 9th Anniversary of the July 15 failed coup attempt.
He said that the July 15 heinous coup attempt had brought the necessity to update the Turkish foreign and security policy orientation.
“A new threat named FETO has been introduced to Türkiye’s security agenda alongside with other terrorist organisations. The fight against FETO both inside and outside Türkiye constitutes one of the main priorities of our country.”
The Ambassador said that following the July 15, 2016, comprehensive and lawful measures were undertaken to dismantle the FETO network.
“We have been able to successfully conduct our fight against FETO at home in compliance with the principles of the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms. Legal action was taken against individuals proved to be associated with the organization, based on evidence and within the scope of due process. These measures were essential to restoring institutional integrity and safeguarding Türkiye’s democracy.”
He said that FETO is a terrorist and criminal organisation with an extensive transnational network which targeted the Turkish people, democratic institutions, and democratically elected government as well as the constitutional order in Türkiye.
“FETO, is not only a terrorist network but also a “cult” espionage organization that has cunningly operated under the guise of religious motives.”
He lauded the solidarity & support of the State of Qatar in the aftermath of July 15.
“We will always remember 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 Erdoğan and to show support and H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was one of the first foreign officials to visit Türkiye in the aftermath of the coup attempt.”
He noted that this principled and timely stance was deeply valued by the Turkish state and people.
“It reflected not only a diplomatic gesture but also the strength of the deep-rooted fraternal ties and strategic partnership between the two nations.”
He said that despite the negative repercussions of the 15 July coup attempt along with COVID-19 and the Earthquake disaster in 2023, Turkish economy continues to grow and is among the 20 largest economies in the world.
“International institutions have raised its expectations for the growth rate in Türkiye in 2025. Our exports have broken the record, reaching $262bn in 2024. This figure is expected to be over $270bn in 2025.”
“Türkiye witness an increase of tourists from all parts of the world, as it was and will remain one of the favorite destinations and has hosted nearly 62 million tourists in 2024.”
He said that Turkish Foreign Policy is guided by the principles of humanity, compassion, and responsibility.
“As a country situated at the crossroads of multiple regions and crises, Türkiye has adopted a value-based foreign policy that places human dignity at its core.”
