Turkey, Qatar sign economic partnership agreement

By Aysenur Saglam

ANKARA

Turkey's Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan and Qatar's Economy and Commerce Minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani signed a commercial and economic partnership agreement on Tuesday.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at Turkey's Trade Ministry in the capital Ankara, Pekcan said: "Two countries signed a special agreement to cement two countries' friendship and economic relations."

The agreement -- which covers several subjects such as telecommunications and financial services -- aims to enhance economic relations and reduce costs especially in petroleum products and natural gas.

It also targets to narrow Turkey's current account deficit and attract Qatari capital.