Forging a strategic partnership: How defense cooperation became the cornerstone of Qatar-Türkiye relations?

The emergence of defense diplomacy is closely tied to the post-Cold War shift in the understanding of international security and related policies. This shift provided a broader perspective on the roles of armed forces, extending beyond their traditional defensive or deterrent functions. In this context, defense diplomacy has been recognized as an effective tool for crisis prevention, enhancing state influence, maintaining regional balance, and strengthening international relations. Over the past two decades, Qatar and Türkiye have cultivated deep and friendly relations, concluding numerous military agreements. These ties were significantly intensified following the signing of a pivotal defense agreement on December 19, 2014, which established a Supreme Strategic Committee. This committee convenes annually to deepen bilateral cooperation. The agreement established a legal framework for enhancing collaboration in areas such as joint defense, military training, and the development of military industries. This research argues that defense cooperation forms the backbone of relations between the two countries, fostering interdependence and strengthening ties across various fields. In 2019, Qatar and Türkiye agreed to further bolster their bilateral relations, signing several agreements in trade, industry, and technology, with a continued strong emphasis on military and defense cooperation. The research concludes that the defense sector is a cornerstone of the growing strategic partnership between Qatar and Türkiye.