Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit received a phone call Tuesday from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the recent developments in the Middle East and the means of developing the constructive multi-disciplinary cooperation between Russia and the League.
League Spokesman Ambassador Mahmoud Afifi stated that the officials tackled the procedures and arrangements for promoting the 5th session of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum which will be held at the ministerial level in Russia in mid-April.
Lavrov invited the Arab League to take part in the ARABIA-EXPO international trade exhibition, which will be held in Moscow between April 8 and 10.
The Minister and Secretary General also discussed important current affairs concerning the regional agenda focusing on Syria, the Middle East peace process, normalization of inter-Palestinian relations, and Iran’s role in the region.
Earlier, Lavrov also spoke by phone with Egyptian counterpart Minister Hassan Shoukry, and discussed bilateral and regional issues.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Hafez said that both Ministers discussed the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa, including the developments in Syria and Libya, the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, and efforts to convene a Conference on WMD Free Zone in the Middle East.
They also exchanged views on reaching a political resolution to the deadlock in Syria in a way that safeguards the unity and sovereignty of the Syrian state.
The two ministers also agreed to continue support for a comprehensive and fair solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution, which is a main pillar to achieving peace and security in the region.
They reaffirmed their intention to continue close cooperation based on interests to resolve crises and ensure peace in the region.
Shoukry and Lavrov also discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields between the two countries in the upcoming period.
The two ministers discussed preparations for the Russia-African Union summit in Russia, which will be chaired by Egypt this year.
