Kremlin: Qatar negotiates with Russia on the purchase of S-400 air defense systems
Nurmakhmad Kholov, the Russian Ambassador to Qatar said in an interview with TASS that Moscow and Doha are negotiating on the supply of S-400 anti-air missile systems but that "there’s no final conclusion on the discussion."
The diplomat clarified that Qatar might want to buy the weapons but so far there is "discussion around the question." "Apparently, no steps have been taken, and so this is a matter for the future," Kholov pointed out.
The ambassador said that Saudi Arabia is strongly against Qatar’s purchase of the S-400 system. Riyadh made its position known to Russia and other European countries. Kholov pointed out that Moscow will act in accordance with its own interests. "Nevertheless, we must consider our friendly relationship with all countries of the region," he added.
Discussing the military-technical cooperation between Russia and Qatar, Kholov mentioned that contracts of conventional weapon supply were signed after October 2017 that encompassed small arms, Kalashnikov assault rifles, grenade launchers, machine guns, and 9M133 Kornet man-portable anti-tank guided missiles.
China was the first foreign buyer of S-400 air defsnse systems. According to the agreement, at least six S-400 anti-aircraft weapon systems are to be delivered to China worth more than $3 billion. Turkey also concluded a supply agreement for the same system.
Saudi Arabia also expressed interest in the Russian S-400. Riyadh signed a contract with Moscow to supply the anti-air missile systems after long negotiations in May 2017.