Russia Hopes for 'Gulf Unity' During Upcoming GCC Summit

Press conference of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Qatari counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
Press conference of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Qatari counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
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Russia Hopes for 'Gulf Unity' During Upcoming GCC Summit

Press conference of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Qatari counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
Press conference of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Qatari counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry)

Russia hopes that the upcoming Gulf summit would culminate efforts to end disputes within countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), announced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

He indicated that Moscow hopes the Gulf summit scheduled for January 5 will lead to overcoming division within the GCC and allow the resumption of its activities.

Lavrov was speaking during a press conference following his talks with Qatari counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Moscow.

Russia's interest in this matter stems from the partnership and friendly relations it has with all GCC countries, according to Lavrov.

He reiterated that restoring the unity of the Council and its ability to perform its duties are two important matters to maintain security in the Gulf region, with the participation of Iran.

The minister pointed out that the Russian initiative that was put forward a year ago to ensure security in the Gulf, was handed to all relevant parties.

He described the reconciliation talks as “very useful” despite the differences.

The Qatari Minister announced a breakthrough in the GCC crisis after the Kuwaiti statement on the issue two weeks ago.

He indicated that talks are ongoing to reach an initial agreement on the framework to accomplish reconciliation.

The talks on the reconciliation, under Kuwait’s mediation and US' support, were only held with Saudi Arabia, but the latter was representing the other parties, reported Al Thani.

He indicated that Qatar believes the discussions were positive and constructive, and there is a serious effort to find solutions and restore unity in the GCC.

The minister stressed the importance of the Council as a regional entity in an area where conflicts are frequent.

He pointed out that the talks were based on foundations that include respecting the sovereignty of countries.

He reiterated the need to reach an understanding based on principles that preserve the security and stability of the region and seek to establish a joint cooperation action serving the interest of Gulf security.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the issues of stabilizing the situation in the Gulf region are among the main issues addressed during the two ministers' discussions.

It stressed the importance of coordinating specific practical steps by countries in the region to reduce tensions.

The statement indicated that the talks also addressed the situation in Libya and Syria, as well as the Palestinian cause.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.