Qatari Foreign Minister thanks Russian institutions for assistance during meeting with Lavrov

Russia will continue dialogue with Qatar on all issues that are of interest to both countries, including the recent escalation of tensions in the Arab world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday during a meeting with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani.

Lavrov expressed Russia's concern over the escalation between Qatar and some Arab states. "The reports about this escalation, the steps taken by some Arab countries on severing ties with Qatar raised concerns [in Moscow]," the Russian foreign minister told his Qatari counterpart, Sputnik reports.

"Today, we will continue the dialogue between our countries on all issues of mutual interest. For sure, among these issues, there will be recent escalation of situation in the Arab world," Lavrov said.

In turn, Qatari Foreign Minister noted that Doha hopes to continue carrying out a constructive dialogue with Moscow on the key regional issues. "I am very glad that we are meeting again in Moscow after a short break. We had a constructive dialogue on regional issues and we hope that this dialogue of constructive cooperation between the two friendly countries will continue," Al Thani said.

Al Thani thanked Russia for providing assistance to Qatar in overcoming the consequences of the diplomatic row with a number of Arab states.

"I would like to thank the Russian institutions that offered their assistance in overcoming illegal measures taken against us. I really appreciate this cooperation between our two countries," Al Thani said.