Russian ambassador to Qatar Nurmakhamad Kholov confirmed on Sunday that his country is a trusted partner of Qatar, both in terms of bilateral and international co-operation. He said bilateral relations are witnessing a significant and increasing growth in the political, economic, trade and scientific fields.
Commenting on the visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Russia, he told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that bilateral co-operation has improved dramatically and now both parties are keen to elevate their partnership to higher levels.
The Emir arrived in Moscow on Sunday on a two-day visit.
The ambassador said there is close interaction between the organising committees of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cups.
"We are pleased with the fruitful co-operation with our Qatari partners through national football unions, sharing our experience in ensuring the safety of sport events, as well as in the training of athletes and the development of sport medicine," the ambassador said.
He said there is constant communication between the leaders of the two countries and the foreign and defence ministries. The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation is also making good progress.
The ambassador said the Emir's earlier visit to Russia and his meeting with President Vladimir Putin, gave a strong push to bilateral relations and opened the way for regular communication between HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Kholov highlighted that both countries have increased visits. "HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah visited Russia, in response to an invitation from his Russian counterpart. Qatar participated in military-technical exhibition 'Army', which took place in October 2017. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu also paid an official visit to Qatar, during which an agreement on military-technical cooperation was signed."
The envoy said the year 2018, celebrated as the Year of Culture between Russia and Qatar, will not only provide an opportunity to intensify people-to-people cooperation but will also help increase the flow of tourists , strengthening economic ties, and opening new opportunities for co-operation. He praised Qatar's experience in organising the "years of culture" which adds to the success of this event.
