Lavrov to discuss bilateral projects and regional crises in Doha, Riyadh

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is beginning a tour of the Gulf countries on Monday to discuss with their leaders bilateral trade, energy cooperation and regional issues, including the situation in Syria, Yemen, Libya and the Palestinian-Israeli settlement. The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier reported that the parties were expected to discuss the implementation of the top-level agreements, projects in the energy sector, industry, agriculture and the peaceful use of outer space. While in Doha, Lavrov will be received by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and will hold talks with Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah. Russian Ambassador to Qatar Nurmakhmad Kholov earlier told TASS that Doha was interested in investment in Russia, and cooperation in this area would be expanding. For his part, Qatari Ambassador to Russia Fahad bin Mohammed Al Attiyah informed TASS that Doha sees huge prospects for partnership in agriculture and cyber technology. Political dialogue between the two countries is intensifying as well. Qatar’s emir visited Russia several times last year, including during the FIFA World Cup, and officials in Doha say they are waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit. During his visit to Riyadh, the top Russian diplomat will hold talks with Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir. He will also be received by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The king paid a visit to Russia in 2017, during the talks with the Russian president the parties spoke out in favor of expanding and diversifying economic cooperation. It is not improbable that during Lavrov’s meetings the parties will raise the issue about Putin’s return visit to Saudi Arabia. The dates for the visit have not been agreed on yet, but Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said it could take place in 2019. Moscow has repeatedly pointed to active development of ties with Riyadh in various areas. According to Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev, the amount of Saudi investment in Russian projects currently stands at $2.5 bln. The parties are exploring the possibility of investing in the LNG and petrochemical industries. Plans are also in store to increase mutual investment in tourism projects. Read more