By RAED BADAVVI
Kalo Africa Media Correspondent – Doha, Qatar
DOHA, October 28, 2026 – Türkiye and Qatar will continue strengthening their strategic partnership and coordinating diplomatic efforts to address regional crises, including conflicts in the Horn of Africa, Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Yakup Caymazoğlu said on Wednesday during celebrations marking the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic.
Addressing a Republic Day reception hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Doha, Caymazoğlu highlighted the depth of bilateral relations, the importance of regional security cooperation and the two countries’ shared commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
The reception brought together senior Qatari officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, business representatives and members of the Turkish community.
Strategic Partnership and Regional Security
Caymazoğlu described Turkish-Qatari relations as a strategic partnership built on a shared vision and close coordination in responding to regional challenges.
He expressed confidence that the 12th meeting of the Türkiye-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee, scheduled to take place in Türkiye later this year, would provide further momentum to bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador stressed that the relationship extends beyond formal agreements, pointing to mutual assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatari support following the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023.
He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty and security.
Turning to regional security, Caymazoğlu cited the BADR memorandum of understanding signed in Doha on October 21 by Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia as an example of cooperation among partner countries.
He said Türkiye, as a longstanding NATO member, recognised its responsibilities in contributing to regional stability through cooperation with friendly nations.
Diplomacy from Gaza to the Horn of Africa
The ambassador praised Qatar’s mediation efforts in regional conflicts, particularly concerning Gaza and the war involving Iran.
He also outlined Türkiye’s diplomatic engagement in several conflict areas, including Ukraine and the Horn of Africa.
“Türkiye, for its part, is making intensive efforts to support dialogue and diplomacy on issues, ranging from Gaza and Ukraine to the Horn of Africa and other conflicts in our region,” Caymazoğlu said.
He added that Türkiye and Qatar would continue working together in support of diplomatic approaches to regional crises.
Support for a Two-State Solution
On the Palestinian question, Caymazoğlu reaffirmed Türkiye’s position that a lasting settlement could only be achieved through a two-state solution.
He recalled messages delivered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasising international law, justice and diplomacy.
Tribute to Qatar’s Father Amir
The ambassador also paid tribute to Qatar’s late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising his leadership and contribution to the country’s development and international standing.
Caymazoğlu recalled meeting Sheikh Hamad personally on several occasions during official visits by President Erdoğan to Qatar.
He highlighted the Father Amir’s exceptional role in strengthening friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Qatar and offered prayers for his soul.
Celebrating 103 Years of the Turkish Republic
The ambassador paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, and those who fought for Türkiye’s independence.
The Republic of Türkiye was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, and the Doha reception was held on the eve of the country’s national day.
Caymazoğlu, who assumed his diplomatic duties in Qatar on September 15 and presented his credentials to the Amir on October 6, described the occasion as particularly meaningful because it was his first Republic Day reception as ambassador in Doha.
Among the senior Qatari officials addressed at the ceremony were H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library; H.E. Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs; H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality; H.E. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health; and H.E. Ambassador Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ambassador also acknowledged H.E. Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
Caymazoğlu concluded by thanking Katara Cultural Village, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, sponsors and embassy staff for their contributions to the celebration.
The reception underscored the continuing importance of Türkiye-Qatar relations at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen diplomatic coordination and respond to regional security challenges.
Source: Official speech delivered by Turkish Ambassador Yakup Caymazoğlu at the Republic Day reception in Doha, October 28, 2026.
