Russia, Qatar strengthen cooperation, discuss Middle East

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday said that Russia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and humanitarian exchanges, during his visit to Doha, where he met with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Lavrov emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries and announced plans to enhance collaboration through platforms such as the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Doha, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

He noted the increased engagement between Qatar Investment Authority and Russia’s Direct Investment Fund. Additionally, he highlighted efforts to boost cultural and tourism exchanges.

On regional affairs, Lavrov expressed concern over the situation in Syria following the recent change in leadership, warning that instability could lead to internal conflict.

He stressed the importance of external players—including Arab states, the West, China, Russia, and Iran—supporting a balanced reform process without imposing geopolitical agendas.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Lavrov criticized Israel for actions that contradict UN Security Council resolutions and agreements with Hamas and Lebanon. He underlined that Russia and Qatar agreed on the necessity of adhering to UN principles and reaffirmed that Palestinian statehood is key to long-term stability.

“If attempts are made to sideline UN Security Council decisions and replace the establishment of a Palestinian state with regional resettlement, it will only create a ‘time bomb,’ as history has repeatedly shown,” Lavrov warned.

Addressing media inquiries, Lavrov acknowledged Qatar’s role in facilitating humanitarian efforts between Russia and Ukraine, particularly regarding the return of children to their families.

He also dismissed suggestions of maintaining a “contact line” in Ukraine, insisting that Russian-controlled areas should be “free from racist laws” and allow Russian speakers to preserve their cultural heritage.

Lavrov further responded to recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested revisiting frozen Russian assets in connection with Russia’s countermeasures against American companies. Lavrov interpreted this as a “healthy realization” that illegal financial seizures would not go unanswered.