(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Doha December 16 (QNA) - "Qatar is a major force in the Middle East thanks to its rapid economic growth and its principled foreign policy" said HE Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Ahmet Demirok.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of Qatar National Day HE the Ambassador said: "I would like to congratulate our Qatari brothers and sisters on the occasion of Qatar National Day. We are once again very enthusiastic to share the joy of national day with our Qatari brothers and sisters.
"Hereby let me reiterate once more the depth of relations between Turkey and Qatar at all levels. Our ties are rooted deeply in our shared culture and history. We enjoy an outstanding dynamic relationship. It is based on a solid foundation of mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation." He added that official visits at the highest level continued along the year. HH the Emir paid a couple of visits to Turkey this year and HE President Erdogan was in Qatar on 2 December. "In the course of this visit we managed to hold the First Meeting of Turkey-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee where our Ministers had the chance to talk in detail bilateral relations and how to improve them. We have signed 17 agreements in this event on economic cultural energy technology military cooperation areas.
"Political relations between Turkey and Qatar are excellent. This past year also witnessed a strong intensification of cultural relations mainly due to 2015 Turkey-Qatar Cultural Year. I believe the events organized under the Cultural Year were very instrumental in establishing new bridges between our brotherly peoples.
"Economic ties are also growing. I think there are more opportunities for cooperation especially in investments agriculture health tourism construction energy banks and the financial sector in Turkey. Turkey extends an open hand to Qatari investors to discuss possibilities of investment.
"Our governments have been working together to find solutions to many challenges in the Middle East. This is like a responsibility for us because both Turkey and Qatar have a shared history and culture with all the conflict regions in our geography and that is why Turkey and Qatar are making a constructive role in the region." Destined by HH the Emir and HH the Father Emir Qatar assumed a diplomatic role to bring together many different groups in the region through mediating. Qatar simply facilitates a climate of understanding and consensus he said adding that this role is crucial for security and stability of the region.
"As a last word I sincerely extend my congratulations for the national day. I cannot wait to see the celebrations this year. Previous year after the parade and shows I saw HH the Emir and HH the Father Emir meeting people and shaking hands with them. It was so unforgettable for me. After seeing that I have understood how strong the ties were between the leadership and the people of Qatar. This was a scene hard to see in many other countries." (QNA)