Moscow: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's official visit to Russia on Thursday drew the attention of Russian media, which highlighted the anticipated meeting between His Highness and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
According to Qatar News Agency, President Putin will hold talks in Moscow with HH the Amir, who is arriving in Russia today on an official visit. It said that current issues of Russia-Qatar cooperation in various areas will be discussed, with a focus on trade, economic and humanitarian affairs, as well as several key topics on the international agenda.
Meanwhile, Russian news agency (RIA Novosti) quoted Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying that the meetings agenda included the Ukraine crisis. He pointed out that Qatar plays a significant role in efforts to resolve many pressing situations.
In an interview with Russia Today (RT), Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Slutsky Leonid, described the State of Qatar as a reliable strategic partner in energy, transport, and investment projects. He praised Qatar's efforts in reuniting families with children in Ukraine and affirmed that the visit will drive the launch of new joint projects between Moscow and Doha.
In an interview with Russian news agency (TASS), HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi said that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin have maintained regular meetings and continuous communication over the years to discuss prominent international issues.
Al Khulaifi said that Qatar and Russia have closely cooperated to find joint solutions to regional and international issues, noting Russia's openness to diplomatic approaches, whether concerning the crisis between Russia and Ukraine or broader regional matters.
Since the first day of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the State of Qatar has expressed its readiness to play a constructive role in reaching a political solution, which resulted in the success of mediation efforts to reunite children affected by the war, he said.
The State of Qatar and Russia are constantly working to expand cooperation across various fields, HE Al Khulaifi said, stressing that there are numerous opportunities to enhance Qatari-Russian relations in ways that fulfill their shared aspirations and interests and bring benefits to both nations. He also noted that the talks between the two leaders will cover issues of Ukraine, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, in addition to energy-related topics such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
He underlined that Qatar and Russia share deep-rooted historical relations based on mutual respect and common interests, adding that the world is currently grappling with complex geopolitical challenges, with crises affecting both Europe and the Middle East.
Qatar believes in the importance of dialogue as a primary means of reaching peaceful solutions and is committed to keeping channels of communication open with Russia and other nations in an effort to reduce tensions and achieve diplomatic outcomes rather than resort to conflict, HE said, noting that these efforts align with Qatar's support for the UN's objectives to promote global peace and security.
Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova praised Qatar's initiative to host ten Russian families affected by the conflict as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program in Doha from April 14 to 23. She noted that the program includes health, psychological, and cultural aspects.