Qatar's participation in SPIEF opens new scope of cooperation with Russia: FM

HE Sheikh Mohammed said that the State of Qatar's participation in the forum was an important landmark for bilateral cooperation, and opens new scopes for joint efforts that enhance development and prosperity for the two countries.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that the participation of the State of Qatar 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 HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. This came during HE Sheikh Mohammed's speech at the official reception of the State of Qatar during the 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which takes place from June 2-5 in the Russian Federation. HE Sheikh Mohammed said that the State of Qatar's participation in the forum was an important landmark for bilateral cooperation, 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 cooperation 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 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 Sheikh Mohammed 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 organized by the Qatari embassy. He said he expects to see positive outcomes soon that will contribute to enhancing bilateral cooperation and economic, cultural, and academic ties. He also welcomed in his speech the participants in the reception hosted by the State of Qatar in honor of the participants in the forum, in which Qatar is a guest state. HE Sheikh Mohammed 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 organize the reception during the forum with the participation of the high-level Qatari delegation that represents dozens of public and private Qatari companies. HE Sheikh Mohammed, in concluding his speech, wished the participants well in achieving their desired outcomes, and for enhancing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation.