Qatar and Türkiye share a principled vision for justice, peace, and dignity on the global stage, writes Mehmet Mustafa Göksu, Türkiye’s ambassador to Qatar.
At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye and the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, delivered powerful and principled addresses underscoring the deep alignment between our nations on critical regional and global issues.
I see their speeches as a true reflection of Türkiye and Qatar’s steadfast commitment to upholding principles and standing by what is right, while raising the voice of justice in a world plagued by double standards. Both addresses reflected a shared moral compass, a commitment to diplomacy, and an unwavering defence of human dignity in the face of escalating injustice.
A unified stand against genocide and aggression
Both leaders strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, denouncing Israel’s deliberate targeting of civilians, journalists, and humanitarian workers. President Erdoğan, by holding up images of devastation, underscored the daily reality of killings, destruction, hunger, displacement, and forced migration in Gaza, stressing that no justification exists for such brutality. He described the devastation as “the lowest point of humanity”.
Sheikh Tamim decried the Israeli strike on Doha, describing it not only as a heinous attack targeting Qatar’s sovereignty but also as an act of “state terrorism” and a direct assault on diplomacy. In a powerful display of solidarity, President Erdoğan again denounced Israel’s aggression toward Qatar, calling it “shameful” and proof that “the Israeli government is completely out of control”, while praising Qatar’s principled stance in the face of escalating threats.
The Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to resolving conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Africa, and beyond. President Erdoğan praised Qatar’s global mediation efforts as “essential”, and I extend Türkiye’s appreciation for Qatar’s tireless work to bring warring parties together and foster cooperation. This recognition underscores the strategic alignment between Türkiye and Qatar in promoting peace through diplomacy, dialogue, and humanitarian leadership.
Diplomacy over division
Both leaders emphasised the urgent need to restore the legitimacy of the international system through dialogue and cooperation. From Syria’s path to recovery to Sudan’s call for peace, our nations pledged support for inclusive political solutions.
President Erdoğan underlined that “there is no winner in war and no loser in just peace”, while Sheikh Tamim emphasised that the essence of Qatar’s diplomacy is the pursuit of peaceful solutions. Together, their words reflect a strategic and humanitarian approach to foreign policy – one that prioritises peace, stability, sovereignty, and the dignity of humanity.
Both leaders rejected Israel’s expansionist ideologies that threaten regional harmony. They reaffirmed support for a sovereign Palestinian state and condemned Israeli attempts to divide Syria and interfere in Lebanon.
Sheikh Tamim’s statement that “allowing violations to continue means allowing the rule of the jungle” resonated with President Erdoğan’s pledge that Türkiye will continue to proclaim that “the world is bigger than five” until a system is established where right prevails over might.
The 80th UNGA session marked a renewed demonstration of strength in the Türkiye–Qatar partnership. Our shared vision, rooted in justice, diplomacy, and regional solidarity, offers a powerful alternative to the politics of aggression and division. For the peoples of Türkiye and Qatar, this alliance is more than strategic. It is a reflection of shared values, courage, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
Mehmet Mustafa Göksu is Türkiye’s ambassador to Qatar.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Republic of Türkiye, Doha News, its editorial board, or staff. This piece is published as an opinion.
