'This is an agreement to expand our investment platform with Qatar by the amount of about two billion euros, one billion euros from each side. This will allow us to invest more, to attract more Qatari investment money into various projects in Russia', said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

The agreement was signed during an official visit to Moscow by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.  Amir of Qatar alongwith members of his delegationa including Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman AlThani arrived at Vnukovo International Airport on Thursday.

Sheikh Tamim and his delegation were welcomed by several high-ranking Russian officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov; Russian Presidential Special Representative for the Middle East and North Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov; Presidential Advisor and Special Representative for International Transport Cooperation Igor Levitin; Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky; Qatar’s Ambassador to Russia Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al-Thani; Russian Ambassador to Qatar Dmitry Dogadkin; and members of the Qatari Embassy.

An official reception ceremony was held in the Emir's honor.

During bilateral talks in Moscow, Sheikh Tamim informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is seeking to build stronger relations with Russia following the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally of Moscow.

Amir of Qatar noted that Al-Sharaa had recently visited Qatar, where discussions took place regarding the historic and strategic ties between Syria and Russia.

President Putin emphasized the importance of the situation in Syria, which has been affected by recent sectarian unrest.

He stated Russia’s commitment to supporting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and expressed interest in exploring avenues for humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people in coordination with Qatar.