Putin invites Arab leaders to first Russia-Arab summit set for October 15

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an invitation to all heads of state of the League of Arab States (LAS) to attend the first-ever Russia-Arab summit, scheduled for October 15.

“We remain committed to further deepening a constructive dialogue with the LAS, as well as friendly relations with all of its member states. In this regard, I would like to invite all the leaders of your organization’s member countries, 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,” Putin stated in a message sent to mark the opening of the 34th LAS Summit.

The message was published on the Kremlin’s official website.

President Putin expressed confidence that the upcoming summit in October would contribute to strengthening mutually beneficial, multi-faceted cooperation between Russia and Arab nations. He also said it would help promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and North Africa.

Over the past two months, Putin has held a series of meetings and phone conversations with leaders from Arab countries. In April, Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Russia. Additionally, Putin met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and spoke by phone with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his greeting, Putin reiterated Moscow’s intention to foster constructive engagement with the LAS and strengthen friendly ties with all member states.

Previously, the Russia-Arab Cooperation Forum (RACF) had convened seven times, with the most recent session held last year in Moscow.

The League of Arab States was founded on March 22, 1945, and currently comprises 22 member countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

By Tamilla Hasanova