Moscow / Information Office / May 01  

HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser Al-Thani said that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Moscow in March 2018, and the talks His Highness held with HE the Russian President Vladimir Putin was the most important factor in developing ties between Qatar and Russia, noting that the fact that the two countries are World Cup hosts helped enhance cooperation in more fields.

In an interview with Russian daily Kommersant, His Excellency said that Qatar relies in its foreign relations on the principle of respecting sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

His Excellency noted that the absence of Iran in the Qatari-Turkish-Russian consultative framework cannot be interpreted as a position on Iran, adding that there a number of issues were silence is no longer possible and there is an urgent need to act, led by the struggle of the Syrian people.

He added that the nature of the role of each of the countries, the framework came in its current form of three countries. He stressed that no one has any intention to be a substitute for other countries, or to alienate or limit their roles in any way. HE the ambassador said that Iran has an active role in the Syrian crisis, noting that Qatar welcomes any role that would help the Syrian people.

His Excellency explained that there is a common understanding about the Syrian crisis between Qatar and Russia and that there is a convergence in positions, indicating that Qatar is working with Russia to end the tragedy of the Syrian people. He also said that their a joint desire to work together is much stronger than any contradictions, highlighting that the position was clear, and stressed that the country does not support any extremist groups.

Responding to a question on whether the State of Qatar was ready to play the role of mediator between Iran and GCC countries, His Excellency said that Doha announced it was willing to play that role between Iran and the GCC, as well as with US President Joe Biden's administration and the Iranian government if it was requested to do so.

He added that Qatar welcomed all ideas on the Arabian Gulf region's joint security, stressing that an Arab-Iranian dialogue was a necessity that serves the interests of everyone in the region. His Excellency also said that Qatar views the Russian role positively and its wise policy of enhancing ties with the region's countries, expressing hope that the region's countries can reach an understanding.

His Excellency said that one of his priorities as an ambassador of the State of Qatar to Russia was to strengthen bilateral ties in all fields.

His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar has enormous capabilities to invest all over the world, and views Russia accordingly. He noted that the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in June, with Qatar participating as a guest of honor.

He added that the presence of Russian investments in Qatar does not mean that the country is unable to finance its projects, rather it is a way to enhance the scope of bilateral cooperation in the business field, and allows Russian capital into the Qatari market, given it is one of the most stable countries in the economic and security fields.

His Excellency also said that, as far as he knows, Russian businessmen prefer real estate projects, adding that Qatar can propose to them such projects given its distinct geographic location and beaches which represent a promising investment opportunity.

His Excellency said that ties between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation are constantly developing, particularly economic cooperation and after that security cooperation, in addition to cooperation in the military field given the transparent relations and the stronger communication between the two countries security bodies.