🎙 Opening remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum Summit (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 Highness, we value your personal attention and contribution to advancing friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and Qatar. 🤝 Bilateral cooperation continues to develop steadily, and we have established a substantive political dialogue. The Russian-Qatari Intergovernmental Commission is actively working, co-chaired on the Russian Side by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. A range of measures is being implemented to diversify and increase bilateral trade. Although modest in absolute terms, it continues to grow, having risen by 10%. Investment cooperation is expanding. The Qatar Investment Authority holds stakes in several Russian companies, including Rosneft and VTB. Partnerships with the Russian Direct Investment Fund are also developing. Humanitarian contacts are growing. Days of Russian Culture took place 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 highlight our closer coordination on the international stage, given Qatar’s important mediation role in resolving various crises, including in the Persian Gulf region. As you know, Your Highness, from the very outset of the conflict surrounding Iran, Russia has advocated an end to hostilities and a political and diplomatic solution. The Islamabad Memorandum, signed in June through Qatari and Pakistani mediation, remains relevant as a basis for advancing the negotiating process. ☝️ For our part, we are ready to do everything within our power to help resolve this complex and acute crisis. 🇷🇺🇶🇦 #RussiaQatar