PERSPECTIVE: Türkiye and Qatar’s Cooperation in Sudan: A New Pillar of Regional Balance

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Gulf tour—which included visits to Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman—stood out as part of Türkiye’s strategy to strengthen its strategic ties with the Gulf. However, the trip also highlighted the reshaping of Türkiye–Qatar cooperation focused on Sudan.

Following the Gaza ceasefire, regional diplomacy has accelerated, with Ankara and Doha working in close coordination in both humanitarian assistance and political resolution efforts. This cooperation extends beyond Gaza and Syria, carrying significant potential for addressing Sudan’s internal conflict.

The Sudan crisis represents a shared diplomatic test for Türkiye and Qatar. Both countries aim to maintain constructive relations with Khartoum’s authorities while taking active roles in humanitarian aid and reconstruction processes. Ankara supports Sudan’s territorial integrity and stability, while Doha complements these efforts with its diplomatic mediation capacity.

In this context, growing engagement with Sudan’s interim government based in Port Sudan has made the Türkiye–Qatar axis more visible on the ground. The reopening of TİKA’s office, the launch of Turkish Bank and the return of Turkish Airlines to Sudan strengthen Türkiye’s institutional and economic presence, while Qatar’s financial backing and diplomatic initiatives reinforce these efforts.

Ultimately, Türkiye and Qatar’s cooperation in Sudan reflects not only the deepening of bilateral relations but also a reconfiguration of the regional order. From the Horn of Africa to the Gulf, both nations are building a new diplomatic axis grounded in stability, development, and mediation.