Qatar and Russia have cemented their relations further. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday opened a new era of cooperation and strategic partnership.
The Emir and the Russian President discussed ways to strengthen relations in defence, energy, economy, investment, trade exchange and scientific research.
H H the Emir pointed out the importance of 2018 for Qatar and Russia as their common cultural year, praising the great cooperation between the two countries. The Emir affirmed bilateral relations have developed significantly over the past two years. This is H H the Emir’s first visit to Russia after the imposition of the siege on Qatar. H H the Emir had visited Moscow on January 18, 2016.
The visit of H H the Emir comes in the framework of the growing relations, which began after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1988 and has since been flourishing, based on the principles of the international law, mutual respect and common interests.
The Emir’s visit to Russia is the culmination of a series of significant milestones in the relations between the two countries in all economic, cultural, military and security fields. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Russia twice last year and met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, while at the same time Lavrov visited Doha in August. Even Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu visited Doha in October and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. Qatar and Russia also have joint energy and gas relations as the two countries are members of the Gas Forum. The two countries also cooperate in the field of sports, especially as both the countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Cultural ties are deep-rooted as Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture was launched in February in the Katara Cultural Village.
The Emir’s visit reflects the determination of Qatar to define and shape its international relations according to its national interests and vision, which preserves the security, sovereignty, stability and prosperity of the country as well as the security and interests of its citizens in the present and future.
The visit, moreover, affirms that Qatar defeated the siege and became more stronger than it was before. In what is termed as a step in the right direction, Russia supports the Qatari position to resolve the Gulf crisis through dialogue.
The visit is a clear indication of Qatar’s keenness on benefiting from Russia’s pivotal role in establishing stability in the world, and utilizing Qatar’s relations with the capitals of the international decision-making for the benefit of its national interests as well as international issues of concern.
