HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said that Qatar's participation in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum is a great opportunity to enhance Qatari-Russian ties, which have grown greatly in recent years under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking at the official reception of Qatar during the 24th SPIEF, which is taking place from June 2-5,

 
 








HE Sheikh Mohamed said that Qatar's participation in the forum was an important landmark for bilateral co-operation, and opens new scopes for joint efforts that enhance development and prosperity for the two countries.
He added that work is ongoing not only to deepen economic co-operation with Russia, but also cultural, scientific, and academic ties which helps build bridges of friendship and trust, adding that it also plays a role in creating new partnerships and joint economic projects.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister added that this explains why they encourage the exchange of students, highlighting that it was for the first time in the history of Qatari-Russian ties when dozens of Qatari students study the Russian language at Russian universities.
He added that they were happy to welcome Russian students who came to Russia to study for free for a full year at Qatar University, after they won in an Arabic language competition organised by the Qatari embassy.
HE Sheikh Mohamed said he expects to see positive outcomes soon that will contribute to enhancing bilateral co-operation and economic, cultural, and academic ties.
He also welcomed in his speech the participants in the reception hosted by Qatar in honour of the participants in the forum, in which Qatar is a guest state.
He the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his pride to address the participants at the Russian Ethnographic Museum, which maintains the long history of Russians who are renowned for their rich culture and great literary work by some distinguished writers such as Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy.
He thanked the museum's management for providing the opportunity to organise the reception during the forum with the participation of the high-level Qatari delegation that represents dozens of public and private Qatari companies.
He wished the participants well in achieving their desired outcomes, and for enhancing co-operation between Qatar and Russia.