Putin discusses Qatar's potential entry into North-South transport corridor

During a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Vladimir Putin suggested that Qatar could potentially become a participant in the international North-South transport corridor, while speaking with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

"A dialogue is underway regarding Qatar potentially joining the North-South transport corridor," Putin stated, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Putin also acknowledged Qatar's efforts in mediating the Middle East crisis between Hamas and Israel.

During the talks, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani highlighted that Qatar's investments in the Russian economy amount to approximately $13 billion. He emphasized the strong and mutually respectful relations between Qatar and Russia.

The North-South International Transport Corridor connects northern Europe with the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean via Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Initially signed in 2000 by Russia, Iran, and India, the corridor now includes 12 participating countries and spans three main routes: western along the Caspian Sea's western shore through Azerbaijan, eastern, and trans-Caspian through the sea itself.