Türkiye and Qatar have signed significant defense and investment cooperation agreements following a high-level meeting between Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud Bin Abdurrahman Bin Hasan Bin Ali Al Sani.
The agreements were signed between Türkiye’s state-owned defense companies MKE A.Ş. and ASFAT A.Ş., and Qatar’s Barzan Holding, which operates under the Qatari Ministry of Defense. These comprehensive cooperation protocols aim to strengthen bilateral relations in the fields of defense and investment.
According to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, the agreements not only cover joint investments and collaborations between Türkiye and Qatar but also pave the way for cooperation with third countries agreed upon by both nations. This strategic framework is expected to foster the development of defense technologies and enhance operational capabilities through mutual expertise and resource sharing.
Official Statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense:
“MKE A.Ş. and ASFAT A.Ş. have signed important agreements with Barzan Holding following the meeting between Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud Bin Abdurrahman Bin Hasan Bin Ali Al Sani.
Comprehensive cooperation protocols covering defense and investment sectors were signed between ASFAT A.Ş. and MKE A.Ş., both affiliated with our Ministry, and Barzan Holding, which operates under the Qatari Ministry of Defense.
The signed protocols encompass joint investments and collaborations between Qatar and Türkiye and aim to establish and develop joint cooperation with any third country agreed upon by the two nations.”
About MKE A.Ş.:
Founded in 1950, Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi Anonim Şirketi (MKE) operates under the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, focusing on meeting the Turkish Armed Forces’ needs for weapons, ammunition, rockets, and defense equipment.
About ASFAT A.Ş.:
Established in 2018, ASFAT A.Ş. is fully owned by the Turkish government and operates under the Ministry of National Defense. ASFAT enhances the operational efficiency of military factories and shipyards, providing innovative solutions in design, production, training, and maintenance for friendly and allied nations.
About Barzan Holding:
Fully owned by the Qatari Ministry of Defense, Barzan Holding serves as Qatar’s strategic investment arm in defense, focusing on fostering global partnerships, investing in innovative technologies, and supporting the long-term development of Qatar’s defense capabilities. Its portfolio includes direct and indirect investments, joint ventures, and advisory roles in cutting-edge defense technologies.
