Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Turkey
Qatar will make $15 billion of direct investment in Turkey, Qatar’s leader said on a visit to Ankara on Wednesday, said Turkey’s presidential spokesman.
"Qatar has pledged $15 billion of direct investments in Turkey," tweeted Ibrahim Kalın after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar's emir, in the capital Ankara.
“Turkish-Qatari relations are based on solid foundations of true friendship and solidarity,” Kalin added.
According to the Turkish presidential press office, Erdoğan and al-Thani also exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional developments during their three-hour meeting.
In an interview Wednesday with Anadolu Agency, Qatar’s Ambassador to Turkey Salem bin Mubarak Al-Shafi said: “The state of Qatar is always proactive in supporting its Turkish brothers.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan meets with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at presidential complex in Ankara, Turkey on Wednesday.
Turkish President meets Qatari Emir in Ankara
Al-Thani’s visit, the diplomat said, “will serve to confirm the close links between the Qatari and Turkish people and their common positions vis-à-vis the many challenges they face.”
He added: “Our strong relations with the Republic of Turkey enjoy a special status among our people.”
Tweeting later on Wednesday, al-Thani said: "We are together with Turkey and our brothers there, who stand by Qatar and problems of the Ummah."
President Donald Trump's trade dispute with Turkey increased downward pressure on U.S. stocks as indexes posted major losses Wednesday.The Dow Jones fell 260 points, or 1 percent, at 3 p.m. EST (1900GMT) to reach its lowest level since last Monday.The SP was down 26 percent with a 0.9 percent decline and the Nasdaq shaved 103 points, or 1.3 percent. Both indexes reached their lowest points since Aug. 2.Video: Turkish businessmen convert $3mln into Turkish lira after Erdoğan callThe three indexes posted losses for three trading days since Friday.The trade dispute between Turkey and the U.S., which are close allies for more than 60 years and NATO members, has intensified worries for investors who took a selling position in the market, according to analysts.President Donald Trump announced Friday that he ordered to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Turkey.In return, Turkey has increased tariffs on several U.S. products, including alcohol, tobacco and cars, according to a new presidential decree published Wednesday in the official gazette.
Trade dispute with Turkey puts pressure on US stocks
The White House on Wednesday said U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from Turkey are "specific to national security".Speaking at a news conference, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said tariffs on Turkey would not be removed even if detained American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is facing terrorism charges in Turkey, is released.“The tariffs that are in place on steel would not be removed with the release of pastor Brunson. The tariffs are specific to national security," she said.The U.S will consider the removal of the sanctions that have been placed on Turkey and are "specific to pastor Brunson and others" when the aforesaid people are released, Sanders added.Turkey and the U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations following Washington’s imposition of sanctions on two government ministers for not releasing American pastor Andrew Brunson, who faces terrorism-related charges in Turkey.Last Friday President Donald Trump ramped up his attack on Turkey by doubling U.S. tariffs on Turkish aluminum and steel imports.Turning to U.S. reaction against Turkey's increasing tariffs on American products, Sanders said, “the tariffs from Turkey are certainly regrettable, and a step in the wrong direction."The tariffs that the United States placed on Turkey were out of national security interest. Theirs are out of retaliation," she added.Turkey has increased tariffs on several U.S. products, including alcohol, tobacco and cars, according to a new presidential decree published Wednesday in the official gazette.*Michael Hernandez in Washington contributed to this story
US tariffs to remain even if pastor freed: WH
Al-Thani said they have announced an investment project package worth $15 billion in Turkey which has a "productive, strong and solid economy".
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said his meeting with al-Thani was "very productive and positive".
Erdoğan thanked the emir and Qatari people for standing with Turkey.
"Our relations with friendly and brotherly country Qatar will continue to strengthen in many areas," the president wrote on his Twitter account.