Moscow Hails 'Riyadh’s Role to Resolve the Conflict in Ukraine'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow. (Archive)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow. (Archive)
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Moscow Hails 'Riyadh’s Role to Resolve the Conflict in Ukraine'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow. (Archive)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow. (Archive)

Saudi Arabia is keen on developing its relations with Russia on all levels, and is ready to help resolve the dispute between Russia and Ukraine, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday during a visit to Moscow.

During a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the Saudi minister voiced hopes that their talks contribute to unifying visions and to strengthening bilateral relations.

The visit of the Saudi foreign minister follows his recent visit to Ukraine on Sunday.

Discussions between the two officials focused on the challenges facing the world, and their visions regarding international crises.

“There is always something new in the relations between our two brotherly countries which we look forward to promoting and developing at all levels,” said the Saudi minister.

For his part, Lavrov, through an interpreter, welcomed Saudi Arabia's increased interest to actively participate not only in settling regional issues, but also international matters.

He said that he sees the significance of "permanent and mutual" coordination between the two countries at the level of ministries and government agencies and in the areas of trade, economy and investments between Riyadh and Moscow.

"We always agree on the necessary steps to develop cooperation" between Russia and Saudi Arabia, Lavrov said.

In a joint press conference between the two officials, the Saudi minister said that “the Kingdom is ready to do the necessary to resolve the conflict in Ukraine (with Russia),” adding “we are ready to facilitate any dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.”

Lavrov hailed the Saudi minister’s remarks, welcoming Riyadh’s efforts to resolve the dispute.

“The role of Saudi Arabia regarding the Ukraine crisis is not limited to the exchange of hostages,” said Lavrov, adding “(Ukraine's President Volodymyr) Zelensky is the one refusing to sit for dialogue.”



Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
TT

Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has begun a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marking his second visit to the region and his first since most international sanctions on Syria were lifted.

The trip, which began in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Damascus’s push to reintegrate economically and diplomatically into the Arab world after more than a decade of isolation.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the tour aims to bolster economic cooperation and attract Gulf investments to support Syria’s national reconstruction and development plans.

Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders held official talks focusing on post-war recovery, economic partnership, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the meeting, al-Sharaa said Syria has “turned the page on war and division” and is now focused on building “strategic partnerships” with its Gulf neighbors. He praised the UAE’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed interest in learning from the Emirati model in sustainable development, digital transformation, and clean energy.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for Syria’s efforts to restore stability and rebuild its war-torn economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, and technology.