HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met in Moscow Saturday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in the Middle East, in addition to the humanitarian situation and the security and political developments in Afghanistan. The visit comes in the framework of Qatar's endeavors to contribute to achieving comprehensive peace and lasting stability in Afghanistan.
Later addressing a joint press conference with Lavrov, HE Sheikh Mohammed underlined that Qatar and Russia agreed on the need to find a solution to the situation in Afghanistan, and that humanitarian aid should be independent of any political developments, adding that the Taliban should coordinate to secure the exit of those who wish to leave the country.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of Afghanistan's stability and security, and the need to take the concerns of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries into consideration, expressing his hope that the world would see the Taliban's promises come true.
He noted that the two sides discussed the issue of Kabul International Airport and the need to establish a humanitarian aid corridor and support the freedom of movement, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and consensus to support the current process in Afghanistan.
HE the minister added that the Qatari and Russian sides discussed the bilateral relations in all fields, noting that the meeting of the Qatari-Russian joint committee will be held before the end of the year.
He noted the keenness of both the countries to strengthen the trade relations between the two countries, and affirmed Qatar's willingness to expand investment relations with Russia, especially after its participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted the importance of exchanging experiences on organising sporting events, expressing Qatar's aspiration to benefit from the Russian experience in this field.
He said the two sides also discussed the security situation in the Gulf, stressing that Qatar welcomed regional initiatives aimed at supporting stability and prosperity in the region.
On the Palestinian issue, HE Sheikh Mohammed believed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can be resolved only through the resolutions of international legitimacy and the realisation of the two-state solution.
For his part, the Russian Foreign Minister said the Qatari and Russian sides seek calm and stability in Afghanistan, explaining that they discussed international initiatives and visions regarding the stability of Afghanistan, and they agree and are committed to accelerating the pace of these initiatives, especially those concerned with the humanitarian situation.
He welcomed the Qatari initiatives and endeavors aimed at achieving stability and prosperity of Afghanistan, noting the effective Qatari role in the intra-Afghan talks.
He highlighted the important role carried out by Qatar for the continuation of dialogue between the Afghan parties, and its quest to see the Taliban's commitments achieved, especially with regard to reaching a government that represents all Afghan society.
Lavrov noted that Qatar and the Russian Federation agreed on the need to give priority to the humanitarian situation and aid in Afghanistan, adding that the two sides discussed fears of the continued flow of refugees and its repercussions on the neighbouring countries.
He indicated that the Qatari and Russian sides discussed bilateral relations and files in the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria and the Palestinian issue, stressing the joint keenness on developing and strengthening bilateral relations in all fields.
Later addressing a joint press conference with Lavrov, HE Sheikh Mohammed underlined that Qatar and Russia agreed on the need to find a solution to the situation in Afghanistan, and that humanitarian aid should be independent of any political developments, adding that the Taliban should coordinate to secure the exit of those who wish to leave the country.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of Afghanistan's stability and security, and the need to take the concerns of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries into consideration, expressing his hope that the world would see the Taliban's promises come true.
He noted that the two sides discussed the issue of Kabul International Airport and the need to establish a humanitarian aid corridor and support the freedom of movement, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and consensus to support the current process in Afghanistan.
HE the minister added that the Qatari and Russian sides discussed the bilateral relations in all fields, noting that the meeting of the Qatari-Russian joint committee will be held before the end of the year.
He noted the keenness of both the countries to strengthen the trade relations between the two countries, and affirmed Qatar's willingness to expand investment relations with Russia, especially after its participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted the importance of exchanging experiences on organising sporting events, expressing Qatar's aspiration to benefit from the Russian experience in this field.
He said the two sides also discussed the security situation in the Gulf, stressing that Qatar welcomed regional initiatives aimed at supporting stability and prosperity in the region.
On the Palestinian issue, HE Sheikh Mohammed believed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can be resolved only through the resolutions of international legitimacy and the realisation of the two-state solution.
For his part, the Russian Foreign Minister said the Qatari and Russian sides seek calm and stability in Afghanistan, explaining that they discussed international initiatives and visions regarding the stability of Afghanistan, and they agree and are committed to accelerating the pace of these initiatives, especially those concerned with the humanitarian situation.
He welcomed the Qatari initiatives and endeavors aimed at achieving stability and prosperity of Afghanistan, noting the effective Qatari role in the intra-Afghan talks.
He highlighted the important role carried out by Qatar for the continuation of dialogue between the Afghan parties, and its quest to see the Taliban's commitments achieved, especially with regard to reaching a government that represents all Afghan society.
Lavrov noted that Qatar and the Russian Federation agreed on the need to give priority to the humanitarian situation and aid in Afghanistan, adding that the two sides discussed fears of the continued flow of refugees and its repercussions on the neighbouring countries.
He indicated that the Qatari and Russian sides discussed bilateral relations and files in the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria and the Palestinian issue, stressing the joint keenness on developing and strengthening bilateral relations in all fields.
