Moscow, Russia - On Sunday evening, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Moscow for a short work visit. On Monday he is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the wars in Syria and Yemen and the situation in Palestine.

The work visit comes amid a massive evacuation of civilians and fighters from Eastern Ghouta near the Syrian capital Damascus after Russia negotiated with rebel groups to leave the area for opposition-controlled Idlib province.

According to Dmitriy Frolovsky, a Moscow-based analyst, Putin and Sheikh Tamim will discuss Russia's position on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Qatari support for the opposition, and the possible participation of Qatar in post-conflict reconstruction of Syria.

"There is going to be division of Syria and obviously the most powerful parties in Syria will be Russia and the United States. Qatar for various reasons will try to maintain stable contacts with both of the parties," Frolovsky said.

In late January, a Russian-sponsored peace conference in Sochi failed to bring together the Syrian regime and opposition for talks. Shortly after, forces loyal to Assad backed by Russian air support launched an operation against rebel-held Eastern Ghouta.

According to Frolovsky, after the regime takes full control of the Damascus suburbs another military operation against rebel-held Idlib province is likely.

Тhe Sheikh Tamim's visit was preceded by phone calls between Putin and Abu Dhabi Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in early March and Saudi King Salman in February. In October last year the Saudi king paid a three-day visit to Moscow.

"It's not only the [Gulf] crisis that boosted the relations [with Gulf countries] but also the general Russian presence in the region which has been augmenting since Putin took part in the Syrian crisis," Frolovsky said.

Russia has assumed a neutral stance on the Gulf crisis but it did offer to help Qatar with food shipments last year, he added.

A delegation of Qatari ministers of finance, foreign relations, energy, and culture, along with a number of other officials, accompanied Sheikh Tamim.

On the sidelines of official meetings, Qatar Petroleum and state-controlled Russian oil company Rosneft are expected to discuss possible contracts, and Qatar Airways will also sign a cooperation agreement with Rosaviatsia, Russia's federal air transport agency.

Five days before his visit to Moscow, Sheikh Tamim met Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Qatar where they discussed the possible export of Qatari liquified gas to Ukraine.

Since the fall out with Moscow over the annexation of Crimea and the war in the Donbass region, Kiev has been trying to decrease its dependence on Russian oil and gas imports.

Sheikh Tamim's next foreign trip is expected to be in April to the United States where he will meet US President Donald Trump. </s> On Sunday evening, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Moscow for a short work visit. Al Jazeera News reported.

On Monday he is to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the wars in Syria and Yemen and the situation in Palestine.

The work visit comes amid a massive evacuation of civilians and fighters from Eastern Ghouta near the Syrian capital Damascus after Russia negotiated with rebel groups to leave the area for opposition-controlled Idlib province.

According to Dmitry Frolovsky, a Moscow-based analyst, Putin and Sheikh Tamim will discuss Russia's position on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Qatari support for the opposition, and the possible participation of Qatar in post-conflict reconstruction of Syria.

"There is going to be division of Syria and obviously the most powerful parties in Syria will be Russia and the United States. Qatar for various reasons will try to maintain stable contacts with both of the parties," Frolovsky said.

In late January, a Russian-sponsored peace conference in Sochi failed to bring together the Syrian regime and opposition for talks. Shortly after, forces loyal to Assad backed by Russian air support launched an operation against rebel-held Eastern Ghouta.

According to Frolovsky, after the regime takes full control of the Damascus suburbs another military operation against rebel-held Idlib province is likely.

Тhe Sheikh Tamim's visit was preceded by phone calls between Putin and Abu Dhabi Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in early March and Saudi King Salman in February. In October last year the Saudi king paid a three-day visit to Moscow. </s> "The fields have been developed, but there is an addition or expansion [of deposits], which has been announced, and it will be conducted in 2019 and 2020. Russian companies, like others, can try to win a tender, which will be announced later," the Qatari ambassador said.

According to the diplomat, the Russian economy is strong and provides good opportunities for Qatar.

Qatar calls on all Russian companies working in the fields of energy, manufacturing, and tourism, to invest in the economy of Qatar, including in the oil and gas industry, services and infrastructure, Attiyah stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will discuss regional issues during their talks in Moscow on Monday, including Syria and Yemen, as well as Palestine, Qatari Ambassador to Russia Fahad bin Mohammed Attiyah told Sputnik.

"The leaders will touch upon the issues of mutual cooperation in bilateral relations, exchange views and discuss regional issues such as the Syrian and Yemeni crises, as well as other issues, including the Palestinian issue," Attiyah said.

According to the ambassador, this is the second visit of the Qatari emir to Moscow since 2016.

READ MORE: Qatar Continues Spending Spree to Bolster Military Against Saudi-Led Bloc

During the emir's visit, the leaders of the two countries will discuss the development of cooperation in the field of economy, tourism, energy, and military issues, as well as a cross-cultural year between the countries, Attiyah emphasized.

The Qatari delegation consists of the deputy head of the Council of Ministers, the minister of foreign affairs, as well as the ministers of energy, culture, finance, the head of the Qatari Investment Authority (QIA) and other officials, the ambassador noted.

On Friday, a source in the Qatari embassy told Sputnik that during the emir's visit, an agreement between Qatar Airways and Rosaviatsia would be signed, and contracts of Qatar with Rosneft would be discussed. </s> MOSCOW (Reuters) - Qatar Airways announced plans on Monday to buy a 25 percent stake in Russia’s Vnukovo Airport, the third-largest in the Moscow area by passenger numbers.

The deal was announced on the same day that Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, met President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.

A Qatar Airways spokeswoman told Reuters the airline had signed a memorandum of understanding to buy the minority stake and that it now had eight weeks to finalize the transaction.

No financial details were released.

The airport is co-owned by the Russian state, which has a blocking stake, and Russian businessman Vitaly Vantsev and his partners.

Qatari relations with a number of Gulf countries are strained after Saudi Arabia and some of its allies last year accused Doha of supporting Islamists, a charge it denies. With its military intervention in Syria, Russia has emerged as a powerful player in the Middle East.

“We are counting on our Russian friends ... knowing that Russia plays a major role with regards to the problems existing in the Arab world... including the role where you help to solve some of our countries’ problems,” al-Thani told Putin at their meeting.

Russia is supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his war against rebel fighters, some of whom are backed by Turkey, an ally of Qatar.

Qatar, together with global commodities trader Glencore (GLEN.L), has invested in Russian state oil company Rosneft (ROSN.MM). They both later agreed to sell part on that stake to China’s CEFC in a deal which has since stalled.

In October last year, Putin hosted Saudi Arabia’s King Salman in Moscow, who became the first sitting Saudi monarch to visit Russia. </s> WASHINGTON — The Latest on President Donald Trump’s visit with the ruling emir of Qatar (all times local):

The ruling emir of Qatar is telling President Donald Trump his country stands firmly against terrorism.

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is telling Trump “we do not tolerate people who support or fund terrorism.” Trump once accused the tiny gas-rich nation of funding terrorism at a “high level.”

Trump says in the Oval Office that “we’re making sure that terrorism funding is stopped” in the region.

The emir is also thanking Trump for his role in trying to solve the crisis involving Qatar and America’s allies in the Persian Gulf. He says Trump’s role “is very vital to end the crisis in the region.”

President Donald Trump is welcoming the ruling emir of Qatar to the White House.

Trump greeted Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Tuesday. Trump once accused the tiny gas-rich nation of funding terrorism at a “high level.”

The leaders are set to hold a meeting and working lunch that the White House said would focus on strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

America’s allies in the Persian Gulf are feuding with Qatar. When the dispute began 10 months ago, Trump sided with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and neighbours who accused Qatar of spreading extremism, fomenting regional unrest and allowing funds to flow to terror groups. Qatar denies all those charges.

Trump hasn’t repeated that charge recently and Qatar has since taken steps to address U.S. concerns.

President Donald Trump is hosting the ruling emir of Qatar, the tiny gas-rich nation he once accused of funding terrorism.

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will be at the White House on Tuesday. White House officials say they’ll discuss strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

Last summer, Trump took the side of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries in their ongoing diplomatic crisis with Qatar. He said Qatar had historically supported terror groups at a “high level.” Qatar denies that charge but has taken steps to address U.S. concerns.

In a phone call last week, Trump credited the emir with working to counter terror financing and extremism. The White House says they also discussed concerns about Iran and the need to resolve the Gulf crisis. </s> WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump’s visit with the ruling emir of Qatar (all times local):

The ruling emir of Qatar is telling President Donald Trump his country stands firmly against terrorism.

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is telling Trump “we do not tolerate people who support or fund terrorism.” Trump once accused the tiny gas-rich nation of funding terrorism at a “high level.”

Trump says in the Oval Office that “we’re making sure that terrorism funding is stopped” in the region.

The emir is also thanking Trump for his role in trying to solve the crisis involving Qatar and America’s allies in the Persian Gulf. He says Trump’s role “is very vital to end the crisis in the region.”

President Donald Trump is welcoming the ruling emir of Qatar to the White House.

Trump greeted Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Tuesday. Trump once accused the tiny gas-rich nation of funding terrorism at a “high level.”

The leaders are set to hold a meeting and working lunch that the White House said would focus on strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

America’s allies in the Persian Gulf are feuding with Qatar. When the dispute began 10 months ago, Trump sided with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and neighbors who accused Qatar of spreading extremism, fomenting regional unrest and allowing funds to flow to terror groups. Qatar denies all those charges.

Trump hasn’t repeated that charge recently and Qatar has since taken steps to address U.S. concerns.

President Donald Trump is hosting the ruling emir of Qatar, the tiny gas-rich nation he once accused of funding terrorism.

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will be at the White House on Tuesday. White House officials say they’ll discuss strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

Last summer, Trump took the side of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries in their ongoing diplomatic crisis with Qatar. He said Qatar had historically supported terror groups at a “high level.” Qatar denies that charge but has taken steps to address U.S. concerns.

In a phone call last week, Trump credited the emir with working to counter terror financing and extremism. The White House says they also discussed concerns about Iran and the need to resolve the Gulf crisis.

The Washington Times is switching its third-party commenting system from Disqus to Spot.IM. You will need to either create an account with Spot.im or if you wish to use your Disqus account look under the Conversation for the link "Have a Disqus Account?". Please read our The Washington Times is switching its third-party commenting system from Disqus to Spot.IM. You will need to either create an account with Spot.im or if you wish to use your Disqus account look under the Conversation for the link "Have a Disqus Account?". Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. </s> WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump’s visit with the ruling emir of Qatar (all times local):

President Donald Trump is welcoming the ruling emir of Qatar to the White House.

Trump greeted Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Tuesday. Trump once accused the tiny gas-rich nation of funding terrorism at a “high level.”

The leaders are set to hold a meeting and working lunch that the White House said would focus on strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

America’s allies in the Persian Gulf are feuding with Qatar. When the dispute began 10 months ago, Trump sided with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and neighbors who accused Qatar of spreading extremism, fomenting regional unrest and allowing funds to flow to terror groups. Qatar denies all those charges.

Trump hasn’t repeated that charge recently and Qatar has since taken steps to address U.S. concerns.

President Donald Trump is hosting the ruling emir of Qatar, the tiny gas-rich nation he once accused of funding terrorism.

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will be at the White House on Tuesday. White House officials say they’ll discuss strengthening ties, including security and economic issues.

Last summer, Trump took the side of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries in their ongoing diplomatic crisis with Qatar. He said Qatar had historically supported terror groups at a “high level.” Qatar denies that charge but has taken steps to address U.S. concerns.

In a phone call last week, Trump credited the emir with working to counter terror financing and extremism. The White House says they also discussed concerns about Iran and the need to resolve the Gulf crisis. </s> DUBAI, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia on Saturday suspended any dialogue with Qatar, accusing it of "distorting facts", just after a report of a phone call between the leaders of both countries suggested a breakthrough in the Gulf dispute.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by the telephone with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Friday when they discussed the Gulf dispute, state media from both countries reported earlier.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade links with Qatar on June 5, suspending air and shipping routes with the world's biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, which is home to the region's biggest U.S. military base.

The nations say Doha supports regional foe Iran and Islamists, charges Qatar's leaders deny. Kuwait has been trying to mediate the dispute.

"During the call, the Emir of Qatar expressed his desire to sit at the dialogue table and discuss the demands of the four countries to ensure the interests of all," Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

"The details will be announced later after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concludes an understanding with the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Arab Republic of Egypt," SPA said.

The phone call was the first publicly reported contact between the two leaders since the start of the crisis.

Qatar's state news agency QNA said the phone call was based on coordination of U.S. President Donald Trump who had earlier talked with Sheikh Tamim.

Trump on Thursday said he would be willing to step in and mediate the worst dispute in decades among the U.S.-allied Arab states and Qatar, and said he thinks a deal could come quickly.

Both Qatar's Emir and the Saudi Crown Prince "stressed the need to resolve the crisis by sitting down to the dialogue table to ensure the unity and stability of the GCC countries," QNA reported.

Sheikh Tamim welcomed the proposal of Prince Mohammed during the call "to assign two envoys to resolve controversial issues in a way that does not affect the sovereignty of the states," QNA said.

Saudi Arabia later issued a second statement citing an unnamed official at the ministry of the foreign affairs denying the QNA report.

"What was published on the Qatar News Agency is a continuation of the distortion of the Qatari authority of the facts," SPA reported citing the Saudi official.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announces the suspension of any dialogue or communication with the authority in Qatar until a clear statement is issued clarifying its position in public." (Reporting by Rania El Gamal; additional reporting by Mohamed El Sherif and Mostafa Hashem in Cairo; Editing by Sandra Maler and Lisa Shumaker) </s> Leaders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia spoke by telephone early on Saturday (9 September) in their first high-level contact since an Arab diplomatic crisis engulfed Doha three months ago, but the terms of what they discussed has created a new dispute.

The phone call came after Kuwait's emir, who so far has been unsuccessful in mediating the dispute, on Thursday met US President Donald Trump, who himself offered to arbitrate.

Both governments acknowledged the call between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, next in line to the kingdom's throne, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

After the call, the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Crown Prince Mohammed would talk to Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates — the other Arab nations boycotting Qatar — and then release details of the conversation.

However, the state-run Qatar News Agency immediately published details of the call, saying that Riyadh and Doha had agreed to send two envoys to discuss the dispute.

Qatar said that call came after Trump personally spoke with Sheikh Tamim. The White House earlier acknowledged Trump spoke with Sheikh Tamim and Crown Prince Mohammed, as well as Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince.

The Saudi and Qatari leaders "stressed the need to resolve this crisis by sitting down to the dialogue to ensure the unity and stability" of Gulf nations, the Qatar News Agency account read.

Saudi Arabia reacted angrily to the Qatari statement, issuing a second message saying Doha's statement did not have "any relevance to truth."

"This proves that the authority in Qatar is not serious in dialogue and continues its previous policies," the SPA said. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia declares that any dialogue or communication with the authority in Qatar shall be suspended until a clear statement explaining its position is made in public."

The Qatar crisis began 5 June, with boycotting nations cutting off Doha's land, sea and air routes over its alleged support of extremists and close ties to Iran. Qatar long has denied funding extremists and recently restored full diplomatic relations with Iran, with whom it shares a massive offshore natural gas field.

That even this small step toward a resolution creates new tension shows how deeply the boycott of Qatar has cut across the typically clubby politics of the Gulf Arab states.
Sheikh Tamim of Qatar visits Russia to discuss the situation in Syria, Yemen and Palestine.