Russia backs GCC efforts to prevent return to full-scale war in Middle East

MANAMA — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday that Moscow supports efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to prevent a return to full-scale war in the Middle East. He spoke at the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue in Bahrain, according to Anadolu Agency.

Lavrov proposed an updated concept for collective security in the Gulf. He said earlier versions of the proposal had been discussed with political, academic and expert circles across GCC member states over several decades.

He said countries that border the Gulf should have the decisive say in deciding how to ensure the region's security. He also called for direct dialogue between 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 ties with GCC member states as a foreign policy priority for Moscow. He pointed to growing economic cooperation and regular high-level contacts.

He said trade turnover between Russia and GCC member states rose 45 per cent last year. Cooperation continues under a joint action plan covering 2023 to 2028, he said.

"The effectiveness of our economic cooperation depends to a significant extent on the stability of the region," he said.

Lavrov also said the strategic dialogue helps councils discuss regional and international issues. He said it also expands trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties.

Unconfirmed details

An Al Jazeera Arabic post on Telegram carried a headline quoting Lavrov as saying Moscow confirms the need to continue close partnership with GCC states. The post is unverified, and the wording differs from the reports of the speech. The Telegram post did not contain the full remarks.

Reports did not give a response from GCC member states to the proposal. The sources did not say whether any GCC government has accepted or rejected the concept. No details of the proposal's specific terms were given beyond the points Lavrov raised.

Background

The Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue is a forum for ministers to discuss regional and international issues. The meeting in Bahrain was its ninth ministerial session, according to Anadolu Agency.

The GCC groups Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Lavrov's remarks come amid wider debate over security in the Gulf and the wider Middle East. The sources did not describe the events that led to the concern about a return to full-scale war.

Antara, citing the same speech, reported that the two sides continue to work under the 2023 to 2028 joint action plan. Antara also reported that Lavrov proposed involving the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and, if interested, the permanent members of the UN Security Council.