国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Turkey faces risks in support of crisis-hit Qatar_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Turkey faces risks in support of crisis-hit Qatar

Kuwait and Oman are the two Gulf countries that have not severed ties with Qatar.

The Qatari foreign minister, who was touring some European capitals for support, also said there was no foundation for dialogue so far.

Many believe Turkey's very close economic and political ties with Qatar are a major factor in Ankara's siding with Doha, although Ankara has been careful to entertain good ties with Riyadh as well.

"Turkey's openly pro-Qatar policy stems from its deep economic, political and military engagement which has been built up over the years," stated Uzgel.

According to Turkish media reports, Qatar's direct investments in Turkey are as high as 18 billion U.S. dollars.

As far as direct foreign investments are concerned, Qatar was the 7th biggest investor in Turkey last year, according to a report by Turkey's International Investors Association.

In addition, the natural gas-rich Gulf country has purchased many Turkish companies in recent years.

Turkish construction companies have won tenders worth billions of dollars in Qatar so far and hope to get a significant share in the construction work the Gulf country will undertake as host of the 2022 World Cup.

Some believe Turkey is also targeted by the pressure being piled on Qatar, as Doha appears to be a major financial backer for Ankara.

Turkey's military operation in Syria from August last year to the end of March, which blocked the Kurdish cantons from uniting, must have disturbed the U.S., argued Yusuf Halacoglu, an independent lawmaker.