Putin and Qatari emir discuss Syria and Gaza at Moscow talks

Qatar’s Emir assured President Putin that Syria’s new leadership is committed to strengthening ties with Moscow, as the two leaders met in the Kremlin to discuss regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani informed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is eager to establish strong ties with Moscow.

The statement comes as Putin seeks to maintain Russia’s military presence in Syria following the fall of its longtime ally Bashar al-Assad in December. Al-Sharaa, who now serves as Syria’s president after being installed by rebel forces, reportedly expressed interest in a strategic partnership with Russia during recent talks in Qatar.

“Sheikh al-Sharaa visited Qatar a few days ago, and we discussed Syria’s historical and strategic relationship with Russia,” Sheikh Tamim told Putin during their meeting at the Kremlin. “He is committed to building a relationship based on mutual respect.”

Putin emphasized the significance of Syria’s stability, highlighting the country's recent sectarian unrest. “It is crucial for Syria to remain a sovereign, independent, and territorially intact state,” he said. “We’d also like to explore ways to support the Syrian people, including humanitarian aid.”

The leaders also addressed the deteriorating situation in Gaza, where Qatar previously helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January. Sheikh Tamim expressed frustration over Israel’s resumption of its military offensive and reiterated Qatar’s role as a mediator.

“We had reached an agreement, but Israel has not complied,” the emir said. “Qatar will continue working to bridge differences and help end the suffering of the Palestinian people.”

Putin acknowledged Qatar’s efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling the ongoing loss of civilian lives a tragedy. “Unfortunately, your proposals have not been implemented, and peaceful people continue to die,” he said.

Both leaders confirmed they would also discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Qatar has previously played a role in facilitating the return of children separated during the conflict and has sought to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to end the war, a breakthrough has yet to be achieved, with Russia stating that a settlement remains difficult.

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