SPIEF an opportunity to enhance Qatar-Russia ties

HE the Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah AlKhater

HE the Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah AlKhater has expressed her hope that the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) will be an opportunity to enhance co-operation between Qatar and the Russian Federation. AlKhater said in an interview with Russian news agency Sputnik that her participation in this year's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum would be in her capacity as Executive Director of the Doha Forum, an open platform for dialogue between world leaders, experts, academics, and journalists. She added that it was the first time that the Doha Forum goes to Russia, expressing hope that the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will be an opportunity to enhance ties during the Doha Forum's presence in the Russian Federation. The forum will take place from June 2-5, 2021. She noted that HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani will participate in an open interview titled "West Asia and North Africa: Steps Towards Stability and Prosperity." She also noted that HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to build on discussions related to bilateral relations and the region's issues, in addition to meeting a number of Russian businessmen to discuss the opportunities for investment and joint cooperation. According to an earlier report, the participation of Qatar as guest of the 2021 forum, aims to strengthen and develop economic cooperation and partnership between Qatar and Russia in various fields, especially in trade and investment, and to exchange experiences between the two friendly countries. SPIEF is an annual Russian business event for the economic sector, which has been held in St. Petersburg since 1997. The forum brings together the chief executives of major Russian and international companies, heads of state, political leaders, prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, departmental ministers, and governors. The key purpose of the forum is to provide a practical tool for business, helping to overcome the barriers, both geographical and informational, dividing Russia and other countries.