Ambassador of Qatar to Russia Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser al-Thani said that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Moscow in March 2018, and the talks His Highness held with 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 co-operation in more fields.
In an interview with Russian daily 'Kommersant', the envoy said that Qatar relies in its foreign relations on the principle of respecting sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. He noted that the absence of Iran in the Qatari-Turkish-Russian consultative framework cannot be interpreted as a position on Iran, adding that there are a number of issues where silence is no longer possible and there is an urgent need to act, led by the struggle of the Syrian people.
The ambassador added that with 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 and added that Iran has an active role in the Syrian crisis, noting that Qatar welcomes any role that would help the Syrian people.
Explaining that there is a common understanding about the Syrian crisis between Qatar and Russia and that there is a convergence in positions, he indicated that Qatar is working with Russia to end the tragedy of the Syrian people. He also said that the 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 Qatar was ready to play the role of mediator between Iran and GCC countries, he 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. The ambassador 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.
Sheikh Ahmed said that one of his priorities as an ambassador of Qatar to Russia was to strengthen bilateral ties in all fields and noted that Qatar has enormous capabilities to invest all over the world, and views Russia accordingly. He said that the St Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in June, with Qatar participating as a guest of honour.
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 co-operation 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, the envoy said and added, 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.
Sheikh Ahmed said that ties between Qatar and Russia are constantly developing, particularly economic co-operation and after that security co-operation, in addition to co-operation in the military field given the transparent relations and the stronger communication between the two countries security bodies.