Erdogan visits Qatar for Us-Islamic world forum

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in Qatar over the weekend to attend the US-Islamic World Forum. At the forum, calling Erdogan the best-loved leader in the Arab world, Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Abdullah Hamad Al Attiyah added: "You have been a loud and devoted voice for Muslims." Erdogan thanked Attiyah for his praise. At a joint press conference after meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, Erdogan spoke about the Middle East and Palestine issues. Erdogan separately spoke with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who sought support for tougher sanctions on Iran in Qatar. During their meeting, Turkey's recent contacts with Iran were discussed, along with the issues of Armenia, Cyprus, terrorism, economic relations, and Iraq. Erdogan stated that visa requirements between Turkey and Qatar would be lifted soon, and added: "We'd like to start a new era with Qatar, which is close to us like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon." Speaking to a Turkey-Qatar Business Forum, Erdogan said annual trade between Turkey and Qatar had risen from just $24 million in 2002 to $1.2 billion today.