Putin invites Arab leaders to Moscow summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited the heads of state and government of Arab League countries to attend the first Russia-Arab summit, scheduled for October 15 in Moscow. The Kremlin published the invitation on its official website on Saturday, as Arab leaders gathered in Baghdad to discuss the war in Gaza.
'We intend to further actively develop constructive dialogue with the League of Arab States, as well as friendly relations with all its members,' Putin said. 'In this regard, I would like to invite all leaders of your organization's member states, as well as the Secretary-General of the League, to take part in the first Russia-Arab summit, which we plan to hold on October 15.'
He added that the meeting will take place 'in a difficult international situation,' referring to the 'sharp escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation' and 'numerous civilian casualties.'
The Arab League, he went on to say, has proven itself to be 'an effective mechanism for multilateral dialogue and joint response to the challenges and threats faced by the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa.'
At the 34th Arab League Summit held on Saturday, regional leaders collectively condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire, and pledged financial support for the enclave's reconstruction.
The Kremlin highlighted Moscow's support for Arab-led efforts to resolve regional crises through diplomacy, as well as the importance of adhering to 'the generally recognized norms of international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.'
Russia and Arab nations have deepened relations in recent years, with Putin traveling to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in December 2023. In Abu Dhabi, he was welcomed by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a 'dear friend,' with both leaders stressing the importance of enhanced cooperation to ensure regional stability. Putin described the relationship as 'unprecedentedly high' and called the UAE Russia's main trading partner in the Arab world. The two sides discussed collaboration in energy and advanced technology.
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