Russia Hails UAE-Israel Normalization Agreement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed during the press conference in Russia (WAM)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed during the press conference in Russia (WAM)
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Russia Hails UAE-Israel Normalization Agreement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed during the press conference in Russia (WAM)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed during the press conference in Russia (WAM)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed during his visit to Russia, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation and enhancing coordination over regional and international issues.

Following their meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference during which Lavrov emphasized the positive outcome of the normalization deal between Israel and a number of Arab countries. However, he stressed that they should not overlook finding a solution for the Palestinian cause.

The Russian minister stated that his country agrees with the UAE that the normalization of Israel's relations with Arab countries is gaining momentum in general, describing it as “a positive phenomenon” because it removes the old contradictions and establishes civilized communication channels on a legal basis.

He pointed out that Russia "has always emphasized that this process should not overwhelm efforts to settle the Palestinian cause."

He added that the issue must be resolved on the basis of the UN resolutions, which must include the establishment of a Palestinian state with the state of Israel.

Lavrov said his Emirati counterpart indicated during the talks that his country supports the same position.

He pointed out that the international community should help restore direct negotiations between Palestine and Israel, noting that Russia has repeatedly suggested resuming the work of the International Quartet, including Russia, the US, UN, and EU.

Moscow “believes that it is necessary to involve representatives of the Arab League in the efforts of the Quartet,” noted Lavrov.

The Russian minister noted that it is possible to unify the efforts of the International Quartet and the Arab Quartet to agree on the conditions for resuming direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.

For his part, the UAE Minister stressed the importance of coordinating with Russia on the Palestinian cause, adding: “We hope to cooperate to revive the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.”

He highlighted Russia’s positive stance and its forward-looking perception of the solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, hoping to work together with Russia, the Quartet on the Middle East, and the Arab League to highlight the fact that there is hope for achieving peace in the region.

Asked about Gulf relations, bin Zayed welcomed Kuwait’s efforts, stressing the need to restore Arab solidarity.

“Today, there are countries in the region heading towards modernization, and other countries are in the opposite direction,” said the Minister, warning that “if there are countries that still support terrorism and extremism in the region, then this will be a problem," state news agency WAM quoted him as saying.

During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed the issue of Iran and the situation in the Gulf region.

Lavrov said they exchanged views on the prospects for strengthening security in the Gulf region, indicating that Russia is ready to help launch a dialogue.

Bin Zayed welcomed Moscow’s efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Gulf region.

“We welcome Russia’s efforts to ease tensions in the region, and our objective is its modernization. We can work together to create modern, developed, advanced, and prosperous countries.”

Bin Zayed added that there are many opportunities to achieve development and improve conditions in a region that has witnessed numerous challenges.

“We need to refrain from overcrowding the region with weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles and developing nuclear weapons, as well as to prevent colonization and extremism.”

The Minister further indicated that the international community has addressed the issue of terrorism for many years, noting that “we also need to address the concepts of hate, incitement, and extremism in the region and the rest of the world."

"These are critical problems that need to be solved.”



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.