Turkey says Qatar troop deployment for security

Ankara : Turkey’s decision to station troops at a base in Qatar was based on an agreement signed with Qatar in 2014 and has “nothing to do with the current crisis,” Turkish foreign minister said yesterday. 

“This accord is not meant to target any country at the expense of another,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said after meeting with his Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

The purpose of the troop deployment “is to help foster security and stability in the Gulf,” Cavusoglu said after talks attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said he wanted all parties to end the standoff as soon as possible.

During a joint press conference with Shaikh Khalid, Cavusoglu said that Turkish President seeks a positive solution to the crisis and will communicate with all parties, based on the fact that the security of the GCC states is the security of the Turkish Republic. “Turkey will continue with its constructive actions aimed at resolving this problem. We consider the stability and security of the Gulf in the same way we consider our own stability and security,” Cavusoglu said.

Shaikh Khalid, who is on an official visit to Turkey, held a meeting with Erdogan and clarified Bahrain’s stance towards Qatar and its policies stressing: “Qatar must change its policies and stop any practices that threaten the security of the region”.

Latest developments, as well as efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, were also discussed. Shaikh Khalid conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and wishes for health and wellness. Erdogan conveyed his greetings to His Majesty the King and his wishes of further progress and prosperity to Bahrain, recalling His Majesty’s stances in supporting Turkey.