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Türkiye and Qatar signed a mutual defense agreement on Friday as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held their 12th High Strategic Committee meeting in Istanbul.
The two leaders signed the pact at the Presidential Dolmabahce Office following bilateral and delegation-level talks. It was one of five agreements concluded during the meeting, alongside deals covering trade, education, consumer protection and diplomatic cooperation.
The agreement builds on a defense partnership dating back to 2014, when the two countries signed a military cooperation and defense industry agreement. The deal entered into force in 2017 following approval by Türkiye's parliament.
The framework covers military expertise, defense industry development and access to military facilities, including ports and airspace. Türkiye also maintains a military presence in Qatar under a separate deployment arrangement.
Defense industry cooperation has expanded in recent years. In October 2025, the two governments signed a memorandum on defense industry cooperation, while Turkish defense companies ASFAT and MKE reached cooperation agreements with Qatar's Barzan Holding in February 2025 covering joint investments and projects.
More recently, Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding in Doha in October, to expand joint defense production, technical training, research and development.
The four-country framework aims to pool industrial capabilities and promote technology development rather than establish a mutual defense commitment.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific provisions of Friday's new mutual defense agreement.
The remaining agreements covered consumer protection, education, diplomatic cooperation and a joint declaration marking the committee's 12th meeting.
Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani signed a memorandum on consumer protection, market surveillance and inspection.
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin and Qatar's Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi signed an education cooperation agreement.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signed a memorandum on peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution. The two officials also signed the committee's joint declaration.
Bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion in 2025, with Türkiye and Qatar aiming to raise annual trade to $5 billion.
A trade agreement that entered into force on Aug. 1, 2025, provides a framework for closer cooperation in goods, services, investment and e-commerce.
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