Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday to discuss key regional issues, including Syria and Gaza.
Sheikh Tamim assured Putin that Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who replaced Bashar al-Assad after his removal in December, is eager to strengthen ties with Russia. The Emir emphasized Syria’s historical relationship with Russia, noting al-Sharaa’s desire to build a partnership based on mutual respect.
In response, Putin stressed the importance of Syria remaining sovereign and intact amid ongoing sectarian violence. “We want to ensure that Syria stays a sovereign, independent, and territorially integral state,” Putin said, adding that humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people would be a priority in future discussions.
The two leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Qatar has played a key mediation role. Despite a January ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas brokered by Qatar, Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza in March, and efforts to revive the ceasefire have stalled. Sheikh Tamim highlighted Qatar’s continued mediation efforts and its commitment to ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, while Putin expressed concern over the failure of previous peace initiatives.
“We know that Qatar is making serious efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, the initiatives put forward, including by you, have not been implemented,” Putin remarked.
Both sides also agreed to continue discussions on efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Qatar has made attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, including facilitating the return of separated children from both countries. Putin acknowledged the difficulties in reaching a settlement, noting that while U.S. President Donald Trump seeks an end to the conflict, progress remains elusive.
