Russian President Vladimir Putin is sure that Russia and Qatar can significantly improve the performance of bilateral trade. The Russian-Qatari intergovernmental commission will work out measures for this. The Russian leader said this while opening bilateral talks with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
"Currently, the indicators of bilateral trade are relatively small, but there is a solid and still unexplored potential for growth. We hope that the intergovernmental commission will work out effective proposals for its realization. Mr. [Deputy Prime Minister Alexander] Novak is leading it from our side," Putin said. The president noted that Novak is aware of all Russian-Qatar plans and initiatives and expressed his hope for their successful implementation.
The head of state added that the Russian Direct Investment Fund is successfully cooperating with the Qatar Investment Agency. "There is a good development there. We are very happy about it," he noted.
Putin also thanked his interlocutor for the "Qatari delegation being traditionally represented at a very high level" at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. "I would like to thank you for that," he said, pointing out that the entire business initiative is in one way or another under the control of his interlocutor, who heads the Qatari government.
The president also asked his interlocutor to convey his best and kindest wishes to Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Putin noted that he remembers his meetings with him, which always emphasized the special relations between the two countries and the intention to develop them in many areas.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS