Qatar and Turkiye sign a Mutual Defence Agreement to strengthen collective security, military cooperation and strategic ties, while targeting US$5 billion in bilateral trade.
Qatar and Turkiye have signed a Mutual Defence Agreement to strengthen collective security, expand military cooperation and reinforce their strategic partnership amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region. The agreement was signed on November 13, 2026, during the 12th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee meeting in Istanbul, co-chaired by Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The agreement aims to strengthen collective defence and promote regional security and stability. According to the joint communique issued after the meeting, both countries committed to adopting a unified position against any external armed attack targeting either country. They also agreed to consult on mutual security threats, regional and international developments, and defence policies.
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The two governments will expand military cooperation through joint exercises, defence industry partnerships and personnel training exchanges. The arrangement is intended to strengthen their defence capabilities while supporting the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the two governments have not publicly disclosed detailed operational provisions of the agreement.
The signing formed part of a broader set of five agreements and cooperation documents exchanged during the meeting. These included an agreement on educational cooperation and memorandums of understanding covering consumer protection, market surveillance, and peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution. The two sides also issued a joint communiqué outlining priorities for their strategic partnership.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Both countries reiterated their ambition to increase bilateral trade to US$5 billion in the near future. The leaders also reviewed progress under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in 2025. According to the joint communiqué, Turkish contracting companies have undertaken 206 projects in Qatar worth approximately US$20.8 billion, while Qatari investments in Türkiye continue to contribute to economic ties.
The countries also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in energy, industrial development, technology and innovation. Areas identified for further engagement include joint investments, supply chain integration, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and research collaboration in quantum computing and quantum communications.
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Regional security developments were another major focus. Erdogan and Sheikh Tamim discussed efforts to prevent renewed hostilities in the Gulf and encouraged diplomatic dialogue to address regional disputes. They also exchanged views on developments in Gaza, Syria and Libya.
The agreement adds a formal defence framework to the longstanding partnership between Doha and Ankara. Both governments have agreed to continue strengthening institutional cooperation, with the 13th Supreme Strategic Committee session scheduled to take place in Qatar in 2027.