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The start of Russian-Qatari talks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Highness, friends,

We are happy, our delegation is happy to see our Qatari friends. We already started talking about current issues during our working lunch.

I would like to say that I am very happy to see you again. It will be a pleasure to see you in Russia as well, as we agreed.

I would like to begin our conversation by saying that relations between Russia and Qatar are developing successfully. The volume of our mutual trade is not large yet, but there is a notable development trend. Investment activities are underway thanks to your personal involvement. It should be said that they are highly diversified, with investments made in many fields, including such highly-required areas as pharmaceuticals, the production of fertilisers and infrastructure. I think this is very interesting and we will be happy to continue doing this.

We are also doing everything we can in terms of sharing our experience of preparations for the football world championship. You are aware of that, because we had an opportunity to talk about it. I would like to wish you success in hosting this major event. I am sure that this is the way it is going to be.

Your Highness, it is a pleasure to meet you again.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (retranslated): Thank you, Mr President.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to meet today.

As we said during lunch earlier, there are many issues on our bilateral agenda. It can be said that there is a historic connection between our countries.

Qatar has made many investments in the Russian economy, and these investments have not been in vain; they are quite successful. As you pointed out, trade between our countries does not fully meet the standards of our interaction on the political stage, but there is an opportunity to build it up thanks to cooperation in all the spheres, which you have mentioned. There are also good prospects in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and other spheres.

Mr President, I would like to congratulate you on the success Russia achieved during preparations for and the hosting of the world football championship in 2018. It is a major asset for Qatar. Our country is making use of your experience when preparing to host the championship. Thank you very much for your assistance in our preparations for the upcoming tournament. Work is ongoing, and our coordination will continue all the way until the beginning of that sports event.

Mr President, thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you for the excellent organisation and for creating a fan zone for Russian fans.

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