Russian ambassador to Qatar Nurmakhmad Kholov stated that Russian-Qatari relations made a qualitative leap during the past few years that allowed them to reach a new level, adding that this is due to the solid relations between President Vladimir Putin and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
He explained, in statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, that the Russian-Qatari co-operation witnessed a dynamic and successful multi-dimensional development, which resulted in an interest in deepening bilateral co-operation in all fields with a focus on the commercial and economic field. He also pointed out that the high-level bilateral meeting between the two sides show that both Russia and Qatar are seeking to reach a common goal, which is peace and stability in the region and the whole world.
He emphasised the mutual interest of the Russian and Qatari sides in various fields such as energy, investment, construction, industry, agriculture, tourism, culture, sports, innovation, education and exchange of experiences in preparation for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.  He noted that in 2019 the trade volume between Russia and Qatar reached $80mn, adding that Qatar is the largest investor in the Russian economy among the countries of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). He also said that a joint working mechanism has been reached between the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) within the framework of the joint financial and economic platform.
He said that the Russian economy has attracted Qatari investments worth $2.5bn, and projects worth more than $9bn are being considered in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, medicine, real estate and oil and gas.
He placed emphasis on the great importance attached to deepening the Russian-Qatari co-operation in the cultural and humanitarian field, praising the great success of the mutual cultural year between Russia and Qatar, which took place during 2018.
 The cultural year allowed Russian and Qatari citizens to learn about the best cultural and artistic works of both people.
He pointed out that there are great opportunities to enhance bilateral partnership in the cultural and humanitarian field.
The ambassador stressed that the challenges experienced by Qatar due to the blockade have produced many positive results, adding that Doha has achieved many accomplishments during the past two years in various fields. He pointed out that everyone notes the development in infrastructure, social facilities, transportation network and the production of industrial and agricultural local products.
He emphasised that Qatar plays an important role at the international level, especially in maintaining stability and security in the region, and contributes to settling regional disputes by peaceful means.
He said that Russia is constantly calling for resolving the differences between Doha and a number of other Arab capitals at the negotiating table by taking into account mutual interests and issues.
The ambassador congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Qatari people. He expressed his wishes for the continued prosperity, strength and determination to reach development in all fields and achieve global recognition in Qatar’s regional and international vision, which is characterised by pure and unique justice based on respecting human rights and state sovereignty.