Defense Minister Fikri Işık discussed military relations with Saudi Arabian counterpart, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call, Saudi state news agency SPA reported, shortly after a new contingent of Turkish troops arrived in Qatar.
Ankara supports Qatar in its dispute with four Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, which have imposed sanctions on Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Qatar vehemently denies the charges.
SPA noted that the telephone call was initiated by the Işık, in which "bilateral ties, especially in the field of defense, were discussed." It provided no further details.
Qatar said Tuesday that more Turkish troops had arrived at a military base in Doha after Ankara fast-tracked legislation last month for more soldiers to be deployed there. It gave no figures.
On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed relations with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. They also imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on Qatar.
The four Gulf countries then presented a list of demands for Qatar, including the closure of the Al Jazeera television network, as a condition to lift the sanctions they imposed on the tiny Gulf country, and warned that the country could face further sanctions if it does not meet the demands.
In efforts to support Qatar amid the blockade, Turkey sends food and water supplies to the country, which has enhanced the will to expand and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
