Russia, Qatar affirm concurrence in regional, international issues

KUN0069 4 GEN 0271 FRANCE /AFP -DYB6 POL-RUSSIA-QATAR-FM Russia, Qatar affirm concurrence in regional, international issues MOSCOW, Oct 18 (KUNA) - Russia and Qatar affirmed on Wednesday concurrence in regional and international issues and their willingness to develop bilateral ties. During a joint press conference with visiting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al Thani, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said talks discussed developments in the Middle-East, noting that there was agreement on boosting bilateral relations in economics, investments and commerce through specific procedures. Agreements, which had been reached during the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, "will facilitate further strengthening of partnership between Russia and Qatar," added Lavrov. He termed the outcome of talks with Qatari counterpart as "important," stressing that the Middle-East's situation could only be resolved through aborting extremism and adopting fruitful dialogue. On his part, Sheikh Hamad said "Qatar rivets much attention to relations with Russia. They are excellent. But they may be strengthened. We talked about it with Vladimir Putin." He explained that Russia and Qatar agreed to use its advantages in the Middle-East settlement, noting that both sides "agreed to take steps towards stepping up trade and economic cooperation and investment relations." Qatar's mediation to settle the situation in Palestine was still ongoing and the settlement required the handling of two issues to be accepted by the international community, he noted. He did not divulge the two issues. (end) as.ayh KUNA 182154 Oct 06NNNN