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Search date: 05-03-2019 Return to current date: Click here

Qatar to buy Russia’s missile air defence system

March 05, 2019 00:00:00


DOHA, Mar 04 (Al Jazeera): Qatar is still studying the purchase of Russia's S-400 missile air defence system, adding the potential deal - reportedly opposed by Saudi Arabia - was none of Riyadh's business.

Following a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Monday, Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also said there was no sign of a thaw in a Gulf row over allegations by Saudi Arabia and some other Arab states that Qatar supports terrorism.

"There is a discussion for procurement of various Russian equipment but there is no understanding as of yet as to this particular equipment (S-400)," Sheikh Mohammed told a joint news conference with Lavrov.

"With regards to Saudi or other countries, it is none of their business, it's a sovereign decision by Qatar."

Ties between Qatar and Russia have stepped up since Qatar's blockade by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain in 2017. Russia has consistently called for an end to the crisis through negotiations.

"Up till now there are no practical steps on the ground which may indicate any change to the rhetoric or the demeanour of the blockading countries.


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