Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the summit of the 8th Forum for Gas Exporting Countries (Moscow, October 27, 2026) Vladimir Putin: Russia and Qatar are among the world's largest producers and exporters of natural gas. Much depends on our effective cooperation and coordination, including the stability of the global energy market. Your Excellency, we appreciate your personal attention and your contribution to promoting friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and Qatar. Bilateral cooperation continues to develop steadily, and we have created a substantial political dialogue. The Russian-Qatari intergovernmental committee is actively working, co-chaired on the Russian side by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Mantorov. A variety of measures are being implemented to diversify and increase bilateral trade. Although modest in absolute terms, it continues to grow, having risen by 10%. Cooperation in investments is expanding. The Qatar Investment Authority owns shares in several Russian companies, including Rosneft and VTB. Partnerships with the Russian Direct Investment Fund are also being developed. Humanitarian contacts are increasing. The Days of Russian Culture were held in Doha in February this year. A Qatari delegation participated in the United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg. Tourist exchanges are also increasing. I would also emphasize our closer coordination on the international stage, given Qatar's important mediating role in resolving various crises, including in the Persian Gulf region. As you know, Your Excellency, from the beginning of the conflict surrounding Iran, Russia advocated the cessation of hostilities and a political and diplomatic solution. The Islamabad Memorandum, signed in June with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, remains relevant as a basis for advancing the negotiation process.

Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the summit of the 8th Forum for Gas Exporting Countries (Moscow, October 27, 2026) Vladimir Putin: Russia and Qatar are among the world's largest producers and exporters of natural gas. Much depends on our effective cooperation and coordination, including the stability of the global energy market. Your Excellency, we appreciate your personal attention and your contribution to promoting friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and Qatar. Bilateral cooperation continues to develop steadily, and we have created a substantial political dialogue. The Russian-Qatari intergovernmental committee is actively working, co-chaired on the Russian side by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Mantorov. A variety of measures are being implemented to diversify and increase bilateral trade. Although modest in absolute terms, it continues to grow, having risen by 10%. Cooperation in investments is expanding. The Qatar Investment Authority owns shares in several Russian companies, including Rosneft and VTB. Partnerships with the Russian Direct Investment Fund are also being developed. Humanitarian contacts are increasing. The Days of Russian Culture were held in Doha in February this year. A Qatari delegation participated in the United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg. Tourist exchanges are also increasing. I would also emphasize our closer coordination on the international stage, given Qatar's important mediating role in resolving various crises, including in the Persian Gulf region. As you know, Your Excellency, from the beginning of the conflict surrounding Iran, Russia advocated the cessation of hostilities and a political and diplomatic solution. The Islamabad Memorandum, signed in June with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, remains relevant as a basis for advancing the negotiation process.