Russia to Host Summit with Arab League Member States This Year – President Vladimir Putin

Russia to Host Summit with Arab League Member States This Year – President Vladimir Putin

Moscow, April 23 – Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Russia will host a summit this year with member states of the Arab League. The initiative is part of Moscow's effort to rebuild international alliances following three years of military operations in Ukraine.

As a result of its troop deployment in Ukraine, Russia has faced harsh sanctions from the Western world and is now focusing on strengthening political and economic ties with Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.

Addressing Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Putin said, “This year we are planning a summit between Russia and the Arab countries.” This marks the first-ever visit by an Omani head of state to Russia.

Putin added, “Many of our friends in the Arab world support this idea.” Although he did not specify the time and location of the summit, he extended a formal invitation to the Sultan.

Just days before the Sultan’s visit, Putin met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Moscow to discuss Syria and Gaza. Qatar has played a key role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.

Gulf nations in the Middle East are increasingly emerging as influential diplomatic forces in resolving complex crises such as those in Ukraine and Gaza.

Recently, Oman facilitated high-level talks between the United States and Iran, considered the most significant such meeting since former President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018.

In March, indirect talks between Russia and Ukraine were held in Riyadh.

Meanwhile, discussions between Putin and the Sultan of Oman also covered Iran’s nuclear program, according to Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov. The Kremlin’s foreign policy advisor said, “We discussed progress in talks between Iranian and American representatives. We are maintaining close contact and are assisting wherever possible.”

President Trump has issued a warning that if no deal is reached, military action against Iran could be on the table. Iran has denied allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons. In January, Russia signed a strategic partnership agreement with Iran and is also seeking to improve relations with the Trump administration.

In a televised statement, Putin noted that Russian energy companies are interested in expanding ties with Oman.