The two countries are expanding their partnership with a focus on technology, mineral extraction, and other areas of mutual interest

Russia and Qatar have signed an agreement to establish a new $2 billion investment platform aimed at strengthening economic ties and boosting bilateral cooperation.

The deal was signed on Thursday following talks in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was in Russia on a state visit.

Under the agreement, the countries' sovereign wealth funds will expand their partnership, focusing on joint investments in technology, healthcare, mineral extraction, and other areas of mutual interest. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will each contribute $1 billion to the new platform, according to a press release.

The RDIF and QIA launched their first joint investment venture in 2014, with $4 billion in capital. That platform has since backed projects across Russia in areas such as financial and banking services, artificial intelligence, metals, logistics, transport and other sectors.

The new partnership opens up "significant potential," said RDIF CEO and Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, creating opportunities for Russian companies in Middle Eastern markets and supporting Qatari businesses entering the Russian market.

"Together with Qatar, we've already invested in more than 15 projects worth over $1 billion," Dmitriev told reporters.

Qatari businessmen are keen to invest in Russia as a leading investment destination with lucrative opportunities, chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, told Qatar News Agency on Thursday.

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In addition to the investment deal, the sides have also signed agreements and memoranda of understanding in finance, healthcare and sports.

Putin and Al Thani discussed prospects for diversifying and increasing the volume of bilateral trade among other issues.