Turkey and Qatar sign mutual defense and cooperation agreements in Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed a mutual defense agreement in Istanbul on November 13 or 14, 2026. The pact establishes a commitment to a joint response in the event of an armed attack against either Turkey or Qatar. This defense agreement follows the 12th meeting of the Turkey-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee.

Expanded defense and security cooperation

The new mutual defense agreement focuses on strengthening security ties through several specific mechanisms. Defense cooperation between the two nations will include joint military exercises and personnel training exchanges. The two countries also agreed to collaborate within the defense industry. Beyond military operations, the leaders agreed to consult on national and regional security threats and defense policies.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the mutual defense agreement will add a new dimension to the brotherly relations between the two states. The president also emphasized that the two countries will continue to work together to prevent the outbreak of new wars in the Gulf region and establish a basis for dialogue and peace.

Multiple bilateral agreements signed

In addition to the defense pact, the two nations signed four other agreements to strengthen bilateral ties. These additional agreements cover trade, education, consumer protection and market oversight, and peace and conflict resolution. This brings the total number of agreements signed during the summit to five.

The leaders discussed various regional stability issues during the meeting. These discussions included the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Syria, and political developments in Libya. Both leaders expressed an intent to prevent new conflicts in the Persian Gulf region.

Energy and regional diplomacy

The summit also addressed economic interests, specifically regarding energy security. The leaders expressed an intent to expand energy cooperation, with a particular focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. This cooperation aims to strengthen the economic ties between the two nations alongside their security and diplomatic frameworks.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani traveled to Istanbul following the UN COP31 climate conference held in Antalya. The meeting between the two leaders serves as a significant development in the strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar.