No Progress in S-400 Air Defense System Sale to Qatar

Qatar is still studying the long-delayed purchase of S-400 missile systems from Russia.

"There is no progress regarding (Qatar's purchases of Russian anti-aircraft missile systems) S-400, but Qatar is comprehensively considering issues related to cooperation with Russia on weapons systems," Ambassador of Qatar to the Russian Federation Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jasim Al Thani said in an interview to Kommersant newspaper today.

Ties between Qatar and Russia have stepped up since a blockade against Qatar was launched by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain in 2017.

The Russian envoy to Doha revealed in July 2018 that the two countries were in talks over the S-400s.

Al Thani added that representatives of the armed forces of the State of Qatar will arrive in Russia in August, where they will take part in joint training with the Russian armed forces and in the International Army Games.

"We have many areas of military cooperation, in particular in the field of personnel training, and there are corresponding agreements in this area. Cooperation in the military sphere continues to develop," he further stated.

Meanwhile, Turkey is holding talks with Russia regarding the purchase of additional S-400 missile systems.