Russia, Qatar Heads of State Discuss Israel and Syria Conflicts

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Moscow on Thursday (April 17) to discuss regional security issues in the Middle East, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Syria. The visit marked Al Thani’s first official trip to Russia since 2018.

Palestine

Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing civilian suffering in Gaza. Al Thani said Israel had failed to uphold the internationally brokered ceasefire deal agreed with Palestinian authorities in January, in which Qatar played a key mediating role.

Al Thani stated that Doha continues its efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire in the region adding “As you know, we reached an agreement months ago, but unfortunately, Israel did not abide by this agreement.” Putin and Al Thani both reiterated their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Putin saying that “Civilians continue to die in Palestine, which is an absolute tragedy. We believe – and our positions here are the same – that a long-term settlement can be achieved only and exclusively on the basis of the United Nations decision on the creation of the Palestinian state.”

Syria

Putin and Al Thani also discussed the situation in Syria following the ouster of longtime President Bashar Assad by a broad coalition of armed groups led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) late last year. Assad, a close ally to Moscow, was replaced by HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Putin said that Moscow was ready to work with Doha to address the humanitarian crisis and stabilize Syria, citing ongoing challenges in politics, security and the economy, adding “We would like to do everything to ensure that Syria remains a sovereign, independent and geographically integrated state.”

Al Thani said he recently met with Syria’s new leader, who conveyed an interest in maintaining strong relations with Russia, saying that “We discussed with al-Sharaa the historical ties between Syria and Russia, which were and are of a strategic nature. He is determined to continue cooperation with Russia, to secure ties based on mutual respect and the interests of the two peoples,” Al Thani said. Syria is “going through a very difficult period” and needs international support to preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty, he added. This is one reason why the Russian military bases in Syria are currently remaining.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and regional diplomacy in Russia-Qatar relations.