As part of a "multi-purpose" mission to confront "common enemies," Turkey will establish its first overseas military installation in Qatar, Sputnik reported.
"Turkey and Qatar face common problems and we are both very concerned about developments in the region and uncertain policies of other countries…We confront common enemies," Ahmet Demirok, Turkey’s ambassador to Qatar, said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. "At this critical time for the Middle East cooperation between us is vital."
The base will be used to station approximately 3,000 troops, as well as air and naval units, special operations forces, and military trainers. While Demirok did not elaborate on who, exactly, "common enemies" refers to, he did indicate that the base will be used primarily for joint training exercises.
The agreement also paves the way for Qatar to open its own military base in Turkey.
"Today we are not building a new alliance but rather rediscovering historic and brotherly ties," Demirok added.
Nearly 100 troops are already in the Gulf nation training Qatari forces. When completed, the new base will be the Turkish military’s second-largest overseas deployment, after the Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Commands, and the motivations for the expansion remain unclear.
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