Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited all leaders and the secretary general of the Arab League for the first Russia-Arab summit on October 15, Russia’s news agencies reported on Saturday, citing a statement from the Kremlin.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed intentions to hold a summit with the Arab League later this year as Moscow seeks new allies following its three-year offensive in Ukraine.
The reports emerged after U.S. President Donald Trump’s four-day trip to the Gulf region this week. During this visit, Washington announced several agreements, including a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia, $142 billion in arms sales to the kingdom, and a partnership in artificial intelligence with the United Arab Emirates.
What goals does Moscow have for Arab cooperation?
“I am confident that this meeting will contribute to the further strengthening of mutually beneficial, multifaceted cooperation between our countries and will help in finding ways to ensure peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and North Africa,” Interfax agency cited Putin as saying in the statement.
The Arab League, a regional organisation of Arab nations primarily in the Middle East and parts of Africa, comprises 22 member states committed to collaborating on political, economic, and military issues within the region.
What is the significance of Trump’s tour of the Middle East?
On Friday, President Trump wrapped up a tour of three Middle Eastern nations that featured grand ceremonies, lavish receptions, and the announcement of business agreements with affluent Persian Gulf countries.
Mr Trump held discussions with business leaders in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, prior to boarding Air Force One for his return flight to the United States. Earlier this week, he travelled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar during the first significant international visit of his second term.
On Wednesday, Mr. Trump held a significant meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, marking a shift in U.S. policies regarding the country and Mr. al-Shara himself. Once a militant who headed a division of Al Qaeda, Mr. al-Shara rose to power as the leader of the rebel alliance that removed former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December.
