Meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

The beginning of Russia-Qatar talks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Highness, I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet and talk with you.

The relations between Russia and Qatar are built on a strong foundation of friendship. Our trade in absolute figures is not large, but there are good growth prospects and positive trends.

We continue mutual investment cooperation. Our central banks are also working together. There is an ongoing dialogue on potentially including Qatar in the North-South Transport Corridor project. We are developing humanitarian links between our nations.

We remember that Qatar was extremely dedicated to the preparations for the FIFA World Cup. We have approved a memorandum of understanding between our ministries of sport to enhance cooperation in this field.

Your Highness, I would like to thank you for your efforts in resolving humanitarian issues and those arising from the Ukrainian crisis. It is through your mediation that we have been able to reunite children with their families on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides.

We are also aware that you have been one of the most effective mediators between Hamas and Israel in the Middle East crisis. We know very well that you are taking very proactive efforts to help the parties reach agreement on ceasefire and detainee exchange. Your Highness, you know that Russia is also making efforts to help settle this crisis. It is our firm belief that this situation can only be resolved by complying with the respective decisions of the UN, especially those concerning the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine.

Your Highness, it has been a long time since your last visit to Russia. We would be more than happy to host you in our country. Please consider this an official invitation.

To be continued.