Russian Charge D’Affaires in Qatar Andrey Aristov
Q: Qatar celebrates its National Day on December 18 each year in commemoration of the anniversary of the assumption of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani of the reins of power. What is the message you would like to deliver to Qatar and its people on this occasion?
- On the occasion of Qatar National Day first of all I would like to congratulate His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, all the citizens and residents wishing Qatar always enjoys security, welfare and prosperity, and reiterate that Russia considers friendly Qatar as one of its close partners in the region and always seeks to enhance mutual ties in all fields of co-operation.
Q: Economic indicators confirm the success of the Qatari economy in recovering from the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic; how do you evaluate this success despite the economic challenges at the global level?
- We consider Qatar as one of the most successful countries in the world in handling the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, that has proved the effectiveness of its healthcare system. We welcome the measures taken by authorities concerned who acted proactively throughout the entire pandemic maintaining a set of strict policies aimed at preventing the spread of the virus maintaining the economic situation on a stable level.
Q: The celebrations of Qatar marking the National Day coincide with the hosting of the Arab Cup which represents a rehearsal for 2022 FIFA World Cup. What is your impression about Qatar’s World Cup preparations which have almost been completed, a year ahead of the event?
- Irrespective of the problems caused by Covid-19 , we do think that the country has everything to hold the tournament successfully next year in a really nice way and at a big scale. We are amazed to see how Qatar has worked to prepare every single detail for hosting the ongoing Arab Cup, the organisation of which we consider as highly successful especially in the pandemic circumstances and for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup as well.
We see the preparations for the World Cup are ongoing according to the plan and are sure that it will become an amazing mega sport event.
From our side - Russia is always ready, by all means possible, to assist the friendly State of Qatar in organising the tournament and work hand in hand with Qatar to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup a memorable event.
Q: Relations between your country and Qatar have been witnessing great leaps in terms of their incessant enhancement and consolidation for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples, how do you access these relations and the mutual aspirations for strengthening and enhancing them during the forthcoming phase in various areas of bilateral co-operation?
- Despite the pandemic, the bilateral relations in many fields between Russia and Qatar have witnessed great progress – as stated by the leaders of our friendly countries – showing a steady upward trend. The heads of our states maintain constant contact on the entire spectrum of the bilateral, regional and international agenda. In 2021, these contacts were supported by Qatar’s participation in the leading global platform for members of the business community – The St Petersburg International Economic Forum – as a special guest of the forum, which indicates the mutual interest of our nations in improving bilateral co-operation in all spheres, with the focus on commercial, economic and investment fields. The Forum has given the opportunity to expand our co-operation and define new perspectives.
- Russia and Qatar are the world leaders in the export of gas and other energy sources and we are glad to note a special relationship of trust and consider each other as a key partner. In the beginning of the next year, the Russian-Qatari intergovernmental commission on trade-economic, scientific and technical co-operation is planned to be organised in Doha. The mechanism of interaction has proven itself as a reliable platform for productive work in the field of development of bilateral economic ties. We also consider as very fruitful and helpful the co-operation between the Chamber of Commerce of Qatar and Russian-Arab Business Council.
The cultural sphere also has great potential. As the international epidemiological situation improves we continue to acquaint the people of this hospitable country with the Russian culture and bring creative groups from the fields of ballet, classical music, art, etc.
We are very glad to see these positive dynamics and growing interest. Also this factor is bilateral – we also note the interest of Qatar in our country. In our opinion it’s a natural process: despite the difference in geography and climate, Qatar and Russia share common values, among them the will to cherish national traditions, respect for historical heritage and the ability to respond to the challenges of contemporary world.
