Turkish Ambassador Mithat Rende has described his country’s relations with Qatar as “historic and very distinctive” as HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani begins a two-day Turkey visit today. The envoy said bilateral relations had witnessed “a remarkable development over the recent years, particularly at the economic and commercial levels”. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) yesterday, the ambassador said HH the Emir’s visit to Turkey upon the invitation of President Abdullah Gul, “has great importance and will serve to boost bilateral relations”. “A number of agreements in various fields, especially on economic links, will be signed during the visit as a proof of the two countries’ determination to promote co-operation and excellent relations,” he said. The ambassador stressed the visit would be an opportunity “to enhance co-ordination in light of the two countries ‘common vision concerning many Arab, Islamic and international issues”. Both countries are working closely to bring about peace in the region and to address many of the regional issues through a high-level exchange of visits between officials of the two nations, he said. The ambassador stressed the remarkable promotion of co-operation over the past years, marked by the increase in the volume of trade which hit $1.32bn in 2008 compared to $132mn in 2005. He underscored the importance the leadership of the two countries gave towards promoting economic and trade co-operation. Thousands of Qatari tourists visit Turkey every year, he pointed out. “Qatar is one of the important countries in the region and is experiencing remarkable growth in all domains,” he said. Rende revealed that an exhibition of Turkish products would be organised in Doha at the Qatar International Exhibition Centre from October 3 to 6 under the slogan ‘Made in Turkey’. The exhibition’s opening was likely to be attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Some 200 Turkish companies would display their products in various sectors. The ambassador welcomed Qatari investors to Turkey which he described “as a big market” with opportunities in land and real estate, energy and ports. Some Qatari banks were awaiting licences to operate in Turkey, he revealed. Rende said 25 Turkish companies were operating in Qatar in various sectors of energy and construction. Turkey is very interested in the purchase of the Qatar’s gas and petrochemicals, he added. Qatar and Turkey, he said, have common views on the dialogue among civilisations. He praised the initiatives of HH the Emir and HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad in this direction. http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=309503&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

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