Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to host a summit with the Arab League later this year, aiming to strengthen political and economic ties with Arab nations amid ongoing Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. The announcement was made during a meeting with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Kremlin, marking the first-ever state visit by an Omani head of state to Russia. While the exact date and location of the summit have not been disclosed, Putin emphasized that “many of our friends in the Arab world support this idea” and extended an invitation to the Sultan to attend the event .
This initiative reflects Russia’s broader strategy to pivot towards Asian, African, and Arab countries for political and economic partnerships, especially in light of its strained relations with Western nations. The summit is expected to address key issues such as trade, energy cooperation, and regional security concerns, including the situations in Syria, Gaza, and Iran’s nuclear program. Recent diplomatic engagements, such as Putin’s meetings with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and discussions on Iran’s nuclear program with Sultan Haitham, underscore the growing diplomatic influence of Gulf states in mediating global conflicts .
The News International
The upcoming summit signifies a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape, highlighting Russia’s efforts to forge stronger alliances with Arab nations and the increasing role of Gulf countries in international diplomacy.
