Qatar-Turkey relations growing, says envoy Thursday, 09 February 2012 02:26

The Turkish Ambassador to Qatar H Emre Yunt Salim Matramkot

DOHA: In a move that could attract more Turkish families to Qatar, the Turkish embassy is planning to establish the first Turkish school in Doha, says the Turkish ambassador to Qatar H Emre Yunt.

This project compliments to the growing relations between Qatar and Turkey in various fields, especially political and economical.

“Qatar and Turkey are sharing similar views on various regional and international affairs. We worked together in Libya and are now supporting the Arab League initiative to stop the bloodshed in Syria,” said Yunt in an interview with The Peninsula.

Despite the strong relations between the two countries the number of Turks coming to Qatar for jobs are relatively low. Currently there are about 7,500 Turks residing in Qatar, most of whom are working with Turkish companies involved in various infrastructure projects in the country. The remaining work in the services sector, running cafeterias, hair cutting salons etc.

“The absence of a Turkish school is a major factor that hinders many Turkish families from coming to Qatar. With the opening of the new school, we hope to attract more of our people to the country,” said the ambassador.

The Qatar government has already allotted a land for the school in the West Bay area.

“The school will function under the embassy and follow the Turkish curriculum. We hope to start construction of the school building by the end of this year,” he added.

The ambassador said the economic and trade relations between Qatar and Turkey were set for a major growth, taking advantage of the strong relations between the two countries.

Currently, 35 Turkish companies are involved in various projects in Qatar, and the volume of Turkish investment in the country is worth a total of $2bn. Most of these companies are working in the construction sector.

The volume of trade between the two countries was estimated at $600m in 2011 and it is growing significantly.

He said Turkey is now attracting more tourists from Qatar and other Arab countries.

Turkey’s growing popularity in the region, especially following the Arab Spring has contributed to this growth.

Asked if Turkey is a democratic model for the emerging Arab democracies, as many perceive, the ambassador, said: “We are not trying to assume any leadership role in the region nor presenting ourselves as a model. However, we are ready to assist and support the new democracies, if they seek our help.” On Syria, Yunt said Turkey was fully supporting the Arab League initiative to stop the bloodshed in the country.

It is unfortunate that the UN resolution sponsored by the Arab League condemning the killing of civilians in Syria has failed. The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkey would spearhead a new initiative on Syria.

“The situation in Syria is getting worse day by day. Turkey from the very beginning has declared its support for the Syrian people. Our borders are open for refugees from Syria,” said Yunt, adding that currently there are about 8,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey.

“We don’t think military intervention could resolve the crisis. The international community should work together to find a peaceful solution,” he further said.

The ambassador said Turkey, with its friendly relations with Iran, could help the European Union to resume the stalled negotiations with Iran on the nuclear issue.

“We support Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.  We believe the current crisis should be resolved through a political dialogue. We are ready to help the European Union to resume negotiations with Iran,” said Yunt.

The Peninsula

| More...