Russians at the door

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov today (9 March) travels to Abu Dhabi for the start of a tour of Arab Gulf countries. After the UAE the Russian minister will also visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The time when the Gulf was a British – and later an American – "lake" is long gone, but the visits represent a new level of Russian engagement with the region. The foreign ministers of the three countries paid separate visits to Moscow this winter, despite a lull in diplomatic activity due to the pandemic.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov’s meetings in the UAE are to become an important part of bilateral political dialogue, during which Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains "regular trust-based contacts" with leaders of Arab monarchies.

The Russian news agency TASS, said that among other things, the sides will discuss ways to further increase business co-operation in line with agreements previously reached at the top level. Despite obstacles created by the novel coronavirus pandemic, Russia-UAE trade increased by 78% in the past year, reaching all-time high of $3.27 billion. The Russian side also confirmed previously announced plans to hold later this year a regular plenary session of a bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade, economic and technical co-operation. The commission’s previous meeting took place in October 2019.

The sides will also discuss new projects in a wide range of economic sectors, such as power generation, industry, agriculture, infrastructure and peaceful use of space. Special emphasis will be placed on cultural and humanitarian ties as well.

Lavrov pushes the Russian Collective Security Concept for the Persian Gulf region.

Diplomats from Moscow and Abu Dhabi will also carry out a detailed exchange of opinions about key aspects on the global and Middle Eastern agenda. "The emphasis will be placed on the need to resolve the existing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa through inclusive dialogue, taking into account legitimate interests and concerns of all parties involved," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "From this angle, it is planned to consider the situation in Syria, Libya, Yemen and the Arab-Israeli conflict."

The sides will pay special attention to the issue of sustainable stability in the region.  Approximately 18 months ago, Moscow unveiled its updated "Russian Collective Security Concept for the Persian Gulf region". It envisages a collective mechanism of response to challenges and threats with the participation of regional states, including Iran and all Arab countries.

"We consistently urge to refrain from confrontational rhetoric, to address at the negotiating table all issues that had accumulated and [call upon] all states of the sub-region to engage into building a system of collective security and joint response to existing challenges and threats," the ministry said.

The Russian foreign ministry said that Russia’s regional security initiatives received a positive feedback in the United Arab Emirates. Following his visit to Moscow, the UAE top diplomat said his country welcomed Moscow’s efforts in this domain, the Ministry said.

source: commonspace.eu with TASS news agency (Moscow)
photo: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with Gulf dignitaries during a visit to the region in 2019 (picture courtesy of TASS Moscow)

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.