President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Highness,
Colleagues,
We are very happy to see you, to have an opportunity to talk with you on the sidelines of such a high-profile international event.
Last year we marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I would like to note that throughout these years our relations have been developing steadily. Qatar is our important and reliable partner in the Middle East and North Africa region.
We note considerable interaction in investment activities. Our investment funds are operating effectively. I know that thanks to your decision, $2 billion were allocated for joint projects. Opportunities are currently being reviewed for another $10 billion.
We also have other areas of interaction. I am referring to our cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as military technical cooperation.
I certainly look forward to discussing with you the issues related to the situation in the region. I hope you will tell me about the progress you have made in the preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President. I am very glad to have this meeting. Our last meeting took place during the FIFA World Cup in Moscow.
Our countries are united by strong, deep and solid relations. They got a special boost, a special development in the past several years, especially in such areas as energy and investment. The same is true of culture. The Year of Russian Culture was held in Qatar, and we think it was very successful. I believe we should use this cultural foundation for boosting cultural exchanges between our countries.
Mr President, first of all I would like to thank you for the support the 2018 Organising Committee is giving us, and also to congratulate you again on successfully hosting of that huge event. I also want to thank you once again for the assistance we are getting in our preparations for the 2022 World Cup. Several Russian experts who were directly involved in the preparations for the World Cup in the Russian Federation are currently helping Qatar to prepare for 2022.
As regards the investment you mentioned, Mr President, Qatar is ready to invest more and to cooperate with Russia in this area.
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