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.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
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