UPDATE - Putin discusses regional tensions and trade with Iranian, Qatari leaders

UPDATES WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT’S TALKS WITH QATARI EMIR; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; OTHER EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Burc Eruygur and Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed regional tensions and bilateral ties with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during separate meetings Tuesday on the sidelines of the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit in Moscow.

During opening remarks at their meeting, Putin called the summit "quite successful" and said the bilateral meetings between participating leaders were "also very useful."

On the situation in the region, Putin said that “it is certainly a cause for concern, not only for us, but especially for us, given that we work closely with Iran.

"We are neighbors, we share many common interests, and we are striving to pursue them all. We hope that the situation will develop in a positive direction."

The Russian president said Moscow is fulfilling its obligations under all joint projects with Tehran.

He said bilateral trade turnover increased 10.4% during the first eight months of the year, while construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant continued.

Telling Iran’s president that he is "always glad to see you in Moscow,” Putin added: “We are glad to have the opportunity to talk on topical issues and exchange views on our bilateral agenda.”

Pezeshkian thanked Putin for his hospitality and described their contacts as "always highly productive."

"You provide us with support on both political and economic matters. We are truly grateful for your backing and assistance," he said.

He also agreed with Putin's assessment that trade cooperation between the two countries is "growing and developing."

Pezeshkian said the "aggressive steps taken by the Americans in the region" had demonstrated the need to work toward creating a multipolar world, which he described as "beneficial to us all."

"It seems to me that we can work on all the problems that exist in our region. We are capable of resolving all our issues – all regional matters – without the United States," he said.

"There is no need to rely on American assistance in the region – a point that some countries in our region might disagree with, but, in reality, that is simply not the case," he added.

Earlier Tuesday, Putin and Pezeshkian both addressed the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit.

- Talks between Putin, Qatari Emir Al Thani

In talks with Qatar’s emir, Putin said Russia and Qatar – both major natural gas producers and exporters – play an important role in maintaining global energy market stability through coordination.

He said bilateral trade had jumped 10% and highlighted cooperation in investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Putin also welcomed Qatar’s mediation efforts in regional crises, saying Moscow supports ending hostilities and pursuing a diplomatic solution to the conflict involving Iran.

“The Islamabad Memorandum, signed in June with the mediation of Qatar and Pakistan, remains relevant as a foundation for advancing the negotiation process,” said Putin, referring to a framework agreement meant to help Iran and the U.S. reach a deal to end the war.

“For our part, we are prepared to do everything within our power to help resolve this complex and acute problem.”

Al Thani said tensions between the US and Iran had affected the wider region, including the Strait of Hormuz and energy markets. He praised Russia’s role in seeking a resolution and called for efforts to address regional crises, including the Palestinian issue and the humanitarian plight in Gaza.

Kanyshai Butun,Burç Eruygur