A cooperation protocol was signed between Qatar University and Yunus Emre Enstitüsü on 2 December, Wednesday as part of Turcology project.

The protocol signed in Qatar’s capital of Doha in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is an important step taken towards joint projects to be carried out by Qatar University and Institute in Turcology field.

President Erdoğan made a speech following the ceremony in which Qatar University gave “Honorary PhD” to Erdoğan. Erdoğan expressed that he is glad to have visited Qatar University with a history of 38 years, and thanked University management for the Honorary PhD title bestowed to him.

Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey and Qatar are sister countries with excellent relations drawing strength from common history and culture, and expressed his appreciation for the ever-improving relations between the two states and people.

President Erdoğan who acted as the prime minister for 12 years and as the president for more than one year, marked that they created a distinct synergy within this period and thanked all with efforts and contributions. Erdoğan continued his speech as follows: “We perceive Qatar’s stability and safety as our own stability and safety. As Qatar shines out in its region with its level of development in politics, economy and culture fields, we feel proud as Turkey.”  

“Today, we have taken steps towards opening a Turcology department in Qatar University”

Erdoğan expressed his faith in a brighter future thanks to the youth and spoke as follows: “You live and receive education in a dynamic country with a strong vision. I congratulate your leaders who place special emphasis on education and support you in anyway they can. Doha Yunus Emre Enstitüsü we officially opened today will provide you with the opportunity to learn Turkish. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism is there. Today we have taken steps towards opening a Turcology department in Qatar University. I would like to thank the Rector on behalf of Turkish nation, especially for his current and future support to this project.

“I propose we take a step further; I say come and live in Turkey to learn Turkish and our country’s culture. Turkey have made great achievements in education field in the past 13 years with universities impending 200, an annual capacity of 800 thousand new students, and increased housing and scholarship opportunities. I was glad to hear that Marmara Divinity School students learn Arabic in your school. We would like to improve and strengthen the ties between our universities. I was happy to find out that the name of this hall is İbn-i Haldun. Because when I was the Prime Minister, a law to establish İbn-i Haldun University got through the parliament and a private Turkish foundation still works on the project to establish İbn-i Haldun University. Our institutions and universities are ready to provide support in this direction.”