Moscow // President Vladimir Putin and the Emir of Qatar on Monday discussed the Syrian crisis, as global powers seek to push the warring sides towards the negotiating table.
“Russia plays a main role when it comes to stability in the world,” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said at the start of the meeting at the Kremlin.
“We very much want to develop relations with Russia and find a solution to a number of problems related to stability in some countries of our region,” he added.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said both Moscow and Doha were expecting that, in accordance with a UN-backed plan, talks between the Syrian government and the opposition would begin “in the nearest future”.
Global powers are seeking to push the Syrian regime and opposition to the negotiating table in a bid to end the nearly five-year war that has cost the lives of 260,000 people.
The UN-backed plan expects talks between the various sides starting on January 25, the establishment of a transitional government within six months and elections within 18 months.
Mr Lavrov said Russia and Qatar had also agreed to step up measures to battle terrorism.
“Concrete steps that can facilitate this have been agreed,” he said in televised remarks, without elaborating.
The two countries also agreed to ramp up economic cooperation, with Mr Putin telling Sheikh Tamim that Russia is keen to coordinate efforts in energy, “especially in the gas sphere”.
“I am hoping that all the efforts we’ve made over the past years to build our ties will serve a good basis for further steps,” Mr Putin said.
“Investment cooperation is deemed to be very important,” the Qatari ruler said.
Amid persisting tensions with the West over the Ukraine crisis, Russia has over the past few years has sought to forge closer ties with Middle East powers including Qatar.
Russia has backed Syrian president Bashar Assad throughout the nearly five-year conflict, while Qatar has supported the opposition.
* Agence France-Presse, with additional reporting from Associated Press
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- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
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- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half stars
MATCH INFO
England 2
Cahill (3'), Kane (39')
Nigeria 1
Iwobi (47')
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
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How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
THE SPECS
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Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
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From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
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WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars