Qatari Emir to visit Turkey

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani will fly to Ankara today to hold bilateral talks with the Turkish president and prime minister, the Qatari news agency reported.

The two sides will discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Israeli onslaught on Gaza with the Qatari Emir in a phone call on Saturday. The Gaza dilemma is expected to be high on the agenda.

This is the third trip by the Qatari Emir to Turkey since his coronation on June 25, 2013.

Sheikh Tamim visited Turkey last February following a trip by Erdogan to Doha on December 4, during which he inaugurated the new Turkish embassy building in Qatar.

Mutual visits in such a short period of time reflect an interest by both sides to advance their bilateral relations. Qatar and Turkey share common perspectives regarding regional issues.

About 60 Turkish companies operate in Qatar, with projects worth $35 billion.

The number of Qatari tourists in Turkey has steadily increased, with an 85 per cent increase in 2012.

In his December visit to Doha, Erdogan announced Turkey will open a cultural centre in Qatar soon.