Turkey and Qatar have signed a mutual defence agreement to take a united stance against external attacks.
AFP reported that Turkey and Qatar announced the signing of the mutual defence agreement on Friday (13 November), following a meeting between their leaders in Istanbul.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office had earlier announced the agreement without disclosing details. Erdogan had said the pact would further strengthen ties between the regional allies.
A joint statement issued by the Qatar News Agency said the agreement aimed to strengthen collective defence, achieve regional security and stability, and establish a united stance against any external armed attack targeting either or both countries.
The two sides agreed to consult on security threats and strengthen cooperation through joint military exercises, collaboration in the defence industry, and personnel training and exchanges.
Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a trilateral mutual defence treaty in August, about six months after the outbreak of the Iran war.
In October, Turkey also signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation with Qatar, Indonesia and Pakistan in Doha.
Erdogan and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reportedly discussed the Iran war during their meeting. Erdogan said Turkey and Qatar would continue working together to prevent another war in the Persian Gulf region and promote dialogue and peace.
