Abstract: This article examines the key aspects, issues and prospects of interaction between Russian and Qatar within the framework of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). The author highlights the paramount stages in operation of the Forum and determines it as a new important actor at the global gas market. Considering the factor of competitiveness between the leading gas exporting countries (Russia, Qatar and Iran), the article analyzes and argues the interconditionality of their interests in the energy sector, as well as security in the Near East. Based on the reached in 2016-2017 bilateral Russia-Qatar agreements, the author comes to a conclusion on the possibility of bilateral rapprochement with regards to the question of energy cooperation and ensuring the regional security. The author conducts a comprehensive analysis of the political aspects of energy diplomacy of Russian and Qatar in terms of GECF within the indicated chronological framework, taking into account significant changes that took place in the system of international relation overall, as well as geopolitical transformation in the region.