Funny how Kadyrov's name did not appear on the regnum.ru article on the meet between Putin and Qatar
[KavkazUzel] Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov acts as an informal mediator in relations with Islamic states, but has little leeway in building personal relationships with Middle Eastern leaders.
As the "Caucasian Knot" wrote, the options for cooperation with Syria were voiced by Ramzan Kadyrov as part of a PR campaign by the Russian authorities, who are trying to save face after the fall of the Assad regime, analysts pointed out.
On April 17, Ramzan Kadyrov was present among other Russian officials at the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Emir of Qatar Tamim al-Thani. Kadyrov did not disclose his role in the event, noting that the situation in Syria and the Gaza Strip, as well as cooperation in the energy sector, were discussed.
"The talks that took place contributed to the further strengthening of relations between the Chechen Republic and the state of Qatar. We will continue to make efforts to expand the partnership on a mutually beneficial basis," the head of Chechnya said in a post on his Telegram channel today.
Chief researcher of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Mikulsky, professor of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, specialist in comparative law and Islamic law Leonid Syukiyanen and political scientist Ruslan Kutayev shared their conclusions about what lies behind Ramzan Kadyrov’s participation in the negotiations between Vladimir Putin and the Emir of Qatar Tamim Al Thani with a correspondent of the “Caucasian Knot”.
Dmitry Mikulsky believes that the head of Chechnya is an important figure in Russia’s relations with the countries of the Middle East.
"Ramzan Kadyrov's presence at the talks with the Emir of Qatar is explained by several factors. Kadyrov acts as an informal mediator in relations with Islamic states. This is part of the Russian "soft power" strategy, where Chechnya is positioned as an example of successful integration of a Muslim region into the Russian state. Kadyrov does have personal ties with the elites of the Persian Gulf countries, which have been built over the years through religious, cultural and economic contacts. In particular, he has repeatedly met with representatives of the royal families of Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and has also attracted investments from these countries to Chechnya," Mikulsky said.
In October 2024, Ramzan Kadyrov paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdul Aziz. That same month, Kadyrov attended Putin's talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The regional leader reported this on his Telegram channel.
In his opinion, Kadyrov’s position in Middle Eastern diplomacy has limited independence.
"He acts within the framework of Russia's overall foreign policy strategy, but at the same time has little freedom of maneuver in building personal relationships. But the Middle East countries perceive him as a representative of Russia, possibly with a special status. But everyone understands that without the Kremlin's support, other states will not show such an attitude towards him. That is, the lack of support from the Kremlin will mean the lack of privileges from the Middle East countries," Mikulsky noted.
"A publication specializing in investigative journalism published an article, with references to sources in power and information from colleagues, about the deterioration of relations between Kadyrov and the Kremlin . According to the publication, the reason for the discord was information about negotiations between the head of Chechnya and representatives of Middle Eastern Muslim monarchies about the future of Kadyrov's assets and the safety of his family members."
Amid reports of deteriorating relations between Kadyrov and the Kremlin, his participation in the talks underscores his importance to the Kremlin, the expert explains. "Kadyrov's participation in talks at such a high level indicates that his role remains significant for the federal center. This shows that, despite possible periods of tension in relations with the Kremlin, which some publications have reported, Kadyrov continues to play an important role in Russian foreign policy, especially in relations with the Islamic world. His presence at the talks with the Emir of Qatar is not just a symbolic gesture, but recognition of his practical role in dialogue with Muslim monarchies," Mikulsky said.
Leonid Syukiyanen notes that the Kremlin decided to use Kadyrov’s connections in negotiations with Qatar.
"Chechnya is one of the important republics within Russia, where the majority of the population is Muslim. The leader of this republic is perceived as a representative of Russian Muslims and a defender of Muslim interests. He probably already has established relations with representatives of Qatar, which is why he was invited to the negotiations," he told the "Caucasian Knot."
According to him, the head of Chechnya is perceived as a representative of the Kremlin, and not an independent entity in international relations. "He acts within the framework of Russia's general policy in the Middle East. He cannot pursue his own independent policy. As for personal connections, all diplomats and politicians establish personal contacts during negotiations, but as soon as they lose their status, personal connections also weaken," Syukijänen noted.
He believes that Kadyrov's role has always been significant for the Kremlin. "Everyone has disagreements. I don't think that in this case they affected Kadyrov's importance for the Kremlin. He enjoys the support of the federal center, which recognizes that Kadyrov can be useful in negotiations, and he is invited," Syukijanen said.
Kadyrov is the face of the Islamic society of Russia, believes Ruslan Kutayev . "Kadyrov, who has considerable money, has long been connected with (Middle Eastern) emirs. But above all, he is significant because he is the person closest to Putin among the Muslims of Russia, whom the Russian president completely trusts. Sometimes he is given such instructions on foreign policy issues that Putin does not trust even to (Foreign Minister Sergei) Lavrov. This is the reason why he was invited to the negotiations," he told the "Caucasian Knot".
Kutayev does not believe that Kadyrov has ever conducted an independent policy. "He is comfortable in the position of a representative of the Kremlin. He will never independently do something that the Kremlin might not like. The countries of the Middle East perceive Kadyrov as a politician loyal to the Kremlin," the political scientist noted.
In his opinion, the information about the deterioration of relations between Kadyrov and the Kremlin is not true. "Kadyrov is entrusted with tasks that neither the FSB nor any other security agency could carry out. The security forces simply do not like Kadyrov's influence," Kutayev emphasized.
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