Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan to visit Qatar for talks on regional security, strategic ties

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar on Sunday for official talks focused on regional security and strengthening strategic ties between the two nations. Sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Fidan's visit aims to reaffirm Türkiye's solidarity with Qatar, particularly in light of recent attacks on the Gulf nation, and to underscore Ankara's ongoing support. The discussions are expected to delve into the growing strategic partnership and explore avenues for deepening cooperation across various sectors. A key agenda item will be preparations for the 12th meeting of the Türkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee, scheduled to be held in Türkiye later this year under the joint chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Fidan is also anticipated to emphasize the strategic importance of defense and military cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar, especially in light of recent regional developments. The talks will address the necessity of resolving regional issues through dialogue and diplomacy, grounded in the principle of regional ownership, and will call for enhanced joint efforts to promote this approach. Cooperation on connectivity, vital for economic stability and energy security, will also be a focus. Fidan is expected to state that achieving a lasting resolution to Gulf tensions and preventing escalation are urgent priorities. He will likely exchange views on current diplomatic initiatives and mediation efforts, highlight the importance of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and stress vigilance against destabilizing activities by Israel. Türkiye's assessment of the situation in Gaza and developments related to the Gaza Peace Plan are also on the agenda. Fidan last visited Qatar in May.