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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Sani met in Moscow on the sidelines of the 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the Kremlin said. Their talks focused on the conflicts around Iran, the Strait of Hormuz crisis and energy cooperation.

Putin said Russia has backed an end to the fighting and a political and diplomatic settlement from the start, and voiced readiness to do everything needed to help resolve the issue. Al Sani said Qatar places great trust in Russia's role in settling the Hormuz crisis and other regional disputes.

Talks on the GECF summit sidelines

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin and Al Sani held their meeting during the 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow. Speaking in the part of the talks open to the press, Putin said Russia and Qatar are among the world's largest natural gas producers and exporters and that coordination between the two countries matters for stability in global energy markets.

Putin also reported that bilateral trade volume has risen by 10 percent. He noted that Qatar's investment body holds stakes in the Russian energy company Rosneft and in VTB, and that partnership ties with the Russian Direct Investment Fund are developing.

Putin cites Islamabad Accord and mediation role

Turning to the conflicts around Iran, Putin said Russia has supported ending the hostilities and finding a political and diplomatic solution from the outset. He stressed that the Islamabad Accord, signed in June with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, remains important for advancing the negotiating process. "We are ready to do everything in our power to help resolve this complex and serious problem," Putin said.

Putin pointed to Qatar's important mediation role in resolving various crises, including the crisis in the Persian Gulf, and said international coordination between the two countries has increased.

Qatar seeks Russian support on Hormuz

Al Sani said Qatar's relations with Russia are strong and longstanding, and that cooperation in the economy and investment has developed considerably over the past 10 years. The Qatari Emir said tension between the United States and Iran is producing negative consequences across the region. "We are going through a difficult period now. The current tension between the US and Iran has negative effects and consequences for the whole region. This includes the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the energy crisis," Al Sani said.

Al Sani said Qatar values Russia's role in resolving regional crises. "We consider Russia's role very valuable in finding a solution to this crisis as soon as possible. We place great trust in you in resolving the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the other crises in the region," Al Sani said.

Palestine raised alongside regional crises

Al Sani also addressed the question of Palestine, saying the humanitarian problems in Gaza persist and that the issue should be handled as part of efforts to resolve regional crises.

Key takeaways

• Putin and Al Sani met in Moscow during the 8th GECF Summit, the Kremlin said.
• Putin said Russia has backed a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflicts around Iran from the start.
• Putin reported a 10 percent rise in bilateral trade and cited Qatari stakes in Rosneft and VTB.
• Al Sani said Qatar places great trust in Russia's role in resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis.