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Qatar has told Saudi Arabia not to intervene in a potential arms purchase from Russia, as the Gulf state considers purchasing a controversial air defense system.
Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, speaking at a press conference in Doha with visiting Russians, said: “We believe that the arms sales that Qatar is making with Russia have no bearing on Saudi Arabia or any other country.” I believe that.” Opponent: Sergey Lavrov.
Asked about the possible purchase of the Russian-made S-400 advanced anti-aircraft weapon system, Sheikh Mohammed said: “This is a sovereign decision for the State of Qatar to take.”
While he said talks on the purchase were underway, Lavrov also acknowledged that talks were taking place on “bilateral” military cooperation with gas-rich Qatar.
Foreign Minister Lavrov said, “If we receive a bid from our Qatari colleagues for the delivery of Russian military supplies, we will of course consider it.”
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Starting with Türkiye Unpacking
Foreign Minister Lavrov visited Doha, the first stop on a planned Gulf tour that will include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait, and Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted an invitation from the Emir of Qatar to visit Doha. However, he said he has not done so yet. We decided on a date.
discussed Syria
The potential arms deal first surfaced last year, sparking a backlash from Saudi Arabia, which along with the UAE and its allies severed ties with Doha in 2017 over allegations of support for terrorist organizations.
Qatar denies the allegations and claims its rivals want regime change in Doha.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman expressed Riyadh’s concerns about a potential S-400 purchase agreement in a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron last year, threatening military action if Qatar forced the purchase. .
Sheikh Mohammed said that talks with Foreign Minister Lavrov also included Syria and Libya.
He reiterated that Doha is not yet ready to normalize relations with Syria, saying the war-hit country must have a political solution and leadership that represents its people.
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