Moscow: HE Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs in the State Duma Leonid Slutsky affirmed that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani would lead to strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency said that they welcome HH the Amir's visit to Russia, and they are confident that this visit will achieve the outcomes desired by both countries, particularly in developing strategic cooperation across diverse sectors and discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest.
He added that Qatar and Russia have been friends and strategic partners for a long time. Cooperation between the two countries has witnessed remarkable development in recent years, he added, noting that there is continuous communication between the leaderships of both countries, reflecting the depth of friendship that binds them and their shared commitment to advancing relations in various fields.
Expressing his confidence in the summit between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the Russian President Vladimir Putin, HE Slutsky noted that it would result in numerous joint projects and elevate bilateral relations to a high level that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
He affirmed that Qatari-Russian relations are founded on mutual understanding, respect, and a commitment to developing joint cooperation. He pointed out ongoing communication between the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, energy, and other relevant ministries on social and cultural matters to enhance collaboration and coordination on issues important to both countries.
He further stated that the two countries have many promising joint projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and investment, emphasizing the role of Qatar Investment Authority in Russia, adding that they look forward, during HH the Amir's visit, to developing cooperation and enhancing partnerships in these fields, moving forward to strengthen collaboration in transportation, aviation, tourism, social, and humanitarian domains, among others that serve the interests of both nations.
Highlighting the growing progress in investment and tourism sectors, Slutsky explained that this progress is evident through continuous communication between businesspeople and the increasing tourism exchange between the two countries, stressing that they have seen a rise in the number of Qatari tourists visiting Russia, as well as an increase in Russian tourists traveling to Qatar, especially during Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
He clarified that after the 2022 World Cup, Russian tourists developed a deeper appreciation for Qatar as a unique tourism destination, amazed by its advanced infrastructure, cultural richness, and outstanding social and humanitarian aspects.
Slutsky emphasized the collaborative nature of Qatari-Russian relations in addressing sensitive political issues in the Middle East, such as the Palestinian cause, noting that Russia always approaches regional issues with seriousness and rationality.
He underscored that the two countries share common views on the international relations system. Both aspire to a multipolar system that guarantees security and peace for all nations, regardless of their size. They work to ensure stability for all people while taking into account the interests of states concerning complex security matters.
HE Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs in the State Duma praised Qatar's developmental achievements and its efforts to enhance and sustain social welfare. He mentioned that under Qatar's wise leadership, the State has successfully developed and implemented policies that have elevated the standard of living for its people, achieving unparalleled welfare for every individual at the highest standards. Qatar stands as a pioneering and inspiring model for the region regarding local development strategies and policies.
His Excellency commended the State of Qatar's advanced role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through mediation efforts to resolve crises and ease tensions in the region and the world. He confirmed Russia's support for these efforts and its eagerness to cooperate to reach peaceful resolutions for all pending issues and crises.
He underlined that Qatar is a significant regional player whose efforts in promoting stability and peace cannot be overlooked, adding that HH the Amir is among global leaders steering these efforts, which they see positively impacting numerous files.
In this context, he appreciated Qatar's humanitarian efforts in reuniting many Russian and Ukrainian children with their families as part of its ongoing humanitarian initiatives.
He also lauded the global humanitarian endeavors of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser particularly in education and health sectors, stating that they recognize the significance of Her Highness's humanitarian initiatives, which have a profound global impact.
Regarding Qatar's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a Dialogue Partner, he highlighted the importance of this step for Qatar and the organization which aims to enhance cooperation and economic integration among member states. He added that they have vast opportunities for cooperation, and Qatar's presence in the organization will strengthen economic and investment collaboration.