Official website of the President of Russia

Документ   /

The message reads, in part:

“I am glad to address participants of the League of Arab States Summit and wish you success in your work. Holding such an important forum in Baghdad is another sign that the Republic of Iraq has regained its place and worthy status as one of the founders of the League and once again plays an important role in Arab affairs.

The work of your prestigious organisation has traditionally been aimed at strengthening collective and legal principles in global politics, and forming a just world order. This is particularly relevant today. Your meeting takes place against the backdrop of difficult, at times dramatic on-going events in the region, which require an increase in the League’s role of seeking out political and diplomatic approaches to settling crisis situations.

Relations between Russia and the Arab nations are based on deep historic traditions of friendship and mutual understanding. In the context of the changes happening in the region, the significance of activating our fruitful cooperation is ever greater. We have repeatedly stated that Russia supports Arab countries’ aspirations to live better lives, with greater socioeconomic rights. We are certain that the challenges standing before Middle Eastern and North African states can and should be resolved constitutionally, through national dialogue. It is particularly important to encourage the prevention of violence in the region.

That is precisely what Russia had in mind when supporting the League of Arab States’ constructive initiatives to resolve the crisis in Syria. We are in favour of developing collective approaches that could help normalise the situation in this country. We call on the summit participants to join forces to promote the rapid cessation of bloodshed in Syria. It is important to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone and to launch dialogue between the Syrian authorities and the opposition, in strict compliance with international law, without external interference.

The changes taking place in the Middle East and North Africa should not distract from the task of resolving the region’s most acute problem: finding an integrated, just solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Russia firmly supports the speedy resumption of direct Palestinian-Israeli talks on all issues concerning the final status on a solid international legal basis.

We affirm our interest in working together with our Arab partners to promote the concept we suggested regarding collective security in the Persian Gulf region. We are set to continue fostering strategic dialogue between the Russian Federation and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, supporting efforts to launch the mechanisms of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

Deepening multifaceted cooperation with members of the League of Arab States remains among our foreign policy priorities. I am certain that strengthening Russian-Arab relations responds to our common interests, helping ensure peace and sustainable development for our nations and our peoples.”