DOHA, Qatar 

A high-level council between Turkey and Qatar, to foster closer political and economic ties, will be established between the two countries, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Monday during a visit to the Gulf state.

Turkey has strategic cooperation councils with 16 countries, including Azerbaijan, Tunisia, Pakistan and Lebanon. Establishment of the council envisages moving towards more economic integration; visa exemption and closer political ties.

Erdogan also said commercial and political ties between Turkey and Qatar will make a "leap forward."

2015 will be Turkey and Qatari Cultural Year, Erdogan reiterated, saying that many activities will be held in Turkey and Qatar for the year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes his third official visit of his term to Qatar - a close ally regarding the developments in the Middle East.

Relations between Turkey and Qatar have developed further in the last couple of years, as the two countries found themselves on the same side regarding the Syrian crisis and the Egyptian coup. Turkey was one of the vociferous critics of the Egyptian coup ousting democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi, while Qatar was the sole Gulf state raising its voice against the coup.

Erdogan and his delegation held a meeting with Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin al Thani and other Qatari officials. 

Erdogan was accompanied in his visit by Energy Minister Taner Yildiz and the National Intelligence Organization Undersecretary, Hakan Fidan. 

www.aa.com.tr/en