New Turkey-Qatar pact pledges joint stance against external attacks

Turkey and Qatar have pledged a unified stance against any external armed attack on either country, according to a joint statement issued after they signed the defence agreement. The statement said the pact aims to strengthen collective defence and promote regional security. Under it, the two countries will consult on threats to their security, regional and global security issues, and defence policy. They will also expand cooperation through joint military exercises, defence industry projects and personnel training exchanges. The statement added that the agreement reflects both countries’ commitment to safeguarding their sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their shared vision of a more secure and stable regional order. The two sides also said they were ready to pursue energy cooperation, particularly in liquefied natural gas trade. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Istanbul, Turkey, 13 November 2026 (Reuters)