Doha, 27 April 2025

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, received today Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, during the latter’s visit to Doha.

The two ministers reviewed the strategic ties between Qatar and Turkiye and discussed ways to strengthen and advance their cooperation. Regional developments, particularly in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Syria, were also addressed.

Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s continued commitment to mediation efforts aimed at ending the war on Gaza. He emphasized Qatar’s full support for Syria’s sovereignty and the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and peace. He also praised Turkiye’s efforts in promoting peace and security regionally and internationally.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Sheikh Mohammed stated that Hamas has expressed readiness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, though under conditions Israel has so far resisted. He highlighted ongoing negotiations, led jointly by Qatar and Egypt, aimed at securing a ceasefire and ending the conflict in Gaza. Despite challenges, Qatar remains fully engaged in seeking a comprehensive agreement.

The Prime Minister of Qatar addressed allegations accusing Qatar of supporting campus demonstrations in the United States, calling them 'nonsense and baseless'. He stressed the transparency of Qatar’s relationships with U.S. academic institutions, noting that all Qatari funding programs are conducted through official channels and aimed at educational cooperation.

Regarding media reports on 'Qatargate', Sheikh Mohammed dismissed them as politically motivated fabrications. He reaffirmed Qatar’s collaboration with Egypt in mediation efforts and clarified that Qatar’s contracts with American firms are transparent and intended to counter misinformation campaigns, especially regarding hostage situations in Gaza.

He lamented attempts to demonize Qatar’s role as a mediator, affirming that Qatar remains a peace-loving nation committed to constructive diplomacy. He stressed that Qatar’s focus is on humanitarian efforts, not political gain.

In discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, the ministers also addressed regional security, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and efforts to lift sanctions on Syria to facilitate reconstruction. Both sides agreed on the importance of coordinated international efforts to uphold ceasefire agreements and deliver aid to besieged Palestinian populations.

Sheikh Mohammed criticized Israel’s ongoing military actions and stressed the urgent need to open border crossings for humanitarian relief. He also emphasized Qatar’s unwavering stance against using humanitarian aid as a tool of war.

During the press conference, Fidan reaffirmed the strong strategic relations between Qatar and Turkiye, emphasizing that bilateral cooperation significantly contributes to regional stability and development. He praised Qatar’s mediation efforts and called for intensified international pressure on Israel to halt its aggression and allow humanitarian access to Gaza.

Anadolu News Ajency of Turkiye reported that  Türkiye rejects any initiatives targeting Syria's territorial integrity and emphasizes the need for international pressure on Israel to address the Gaza crisis, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday, as he addressed a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Doha.

At the news conference, Fidan said Türkiye does not accept any initiatives that undermine Syria's sovereignty, adding that any effort allowing the holding of weapons outside the central authority will not be accepted.

He said Türkiye desires a Syria with a Constitution and administration that provides equal opportunities to all groups in the country and that positive steps have been taken in this regard.

He said discussions have been held with Qatar and other regional countries on issues related to Syria's development, economy, and removal of sanctions.

"We are waiting for the implementation of the agreement signed between the YPG and the Syrian administration in recent months. Our sensitivity on this issue is clear," he said, urging the terrorist organization PKK to respond positively to the call, lay down its weapons, and stop obstructing the return to normalcy in the region.

Underlining that the region has been struggling with war, confusion, occupation, blood and tears for years, he stressed that a prosperous, safe, respectful and free system must be built in modern times.

 'Humanitarian tragedy' in Gaza

Highlighting that the first item on the agenda of the meetings, as usual, was Gaza due to the “burden of the humanitarian tragedy," Fidan said: "While Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians, it is also killing international law and humanity's conscience. Humanitarian aid has not been sent to Gaza for nearly two months. The humanitarian tragedy is unfolding right before the eyes of the entire global public."

Fidan said that the Palestinian side has shown its readiness for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and emphasized that at this point it is essential to pressure Israel into peace. "The international community must take responsibility at this juncture. I would like to thank Qatar for its efforts in this regard," he added.

"We will continue our efforts for the peaceful, secure, and prosperous coexistence of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples based on a two-state solution. We will, God willing, continue to support Palestine's just cause with all our strength,” he said.

Türkiye’s constructive role

Fidan said Türkiye continues to hold talks with Hamas through various institutions, stressing efforts to play a constructive role to complement the work by Qatar and Egypt.

"While we are engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the ongoing genocide and humanitarian tragedy on the international stage, we are also continuing our work on what can be done to implement a ceasefire," he said.

Fidan stressed the importance of US efforts and President Donald Trump's approach in pressuring Israel, as its expansionism poses long-term risks. He said Hamas is ready for permanent solutions, and Israel should adopt a stance that recognizes the Palestinian state.

He reminded that Türkiye and Qatar have stated this from the outset, emphasizing that if the efforts are genuine and the parties act in good faith, this could be the last crisis.

Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye met the Amir of State of Qatar. Qatar News Agency reported that the two sides reviewed the strategic relations between the two sisterly countries and ways to strengthen and develop them.

They also discussed key regional and international developments, particularly those in the Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories and Syria.