MANAMA, Bahrain — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday that Moscow supports the efforts of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to prevent a return to full-scale war in the Middle East.
Speaking at the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue in Bahrain, Lavrov proposed an updated concept for collective security in the Gulf, noting that earlier versions of the initiative had been discussed with political leaders, academics and experts across GCC member states over several decades.
He stressed that countries bordering the Gulf should have the decisive say in determining how regional security is maintained, calling for direct dialogue among Gulf states and neighbouring countries, including Iraq and Jordan.
“Our concept is aimed at this, and — as you are aware — we propose involving actors from outside the region in creating such conditions, including the leadership of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as — should you be interested — the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to help bolster this process,” Lavrov said.
Lavrov described strengthening relations with GCC member states as a foreign policy priority for Moscow, highlighting expanding economic cooperation and regular high-level contacts.
He said trade turnover between Russia and GCC countries increased by 45% last year, while cooperation continued under a joint action plan covering the 2023–2028 period.
“The effectiveness of our economic cooperation depends to a significant extent on the stability of the region,” he said.
Lavrov also underscored the importance of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue in facilitating discussions on regional and international developments and strengthening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The meeting comes amid continuing regional security concerns, with Moscow expressing support for diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a renewed escalation into full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
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