Accra:Moscow Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow supports the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in their efforts to prevent a return to full-scale war in the Middle East. He made this statement during the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue in Bahrain.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov proposed an updated concept for collective security in the Gulf, emphasizing that littoral states should have the primary role in determining regional security strategies. He called for direct dialogue among Gulf states and neighboring countries, such as Iraq and Jordan, to address security concerns.

Lavrov highlighted the importance of involving external actors, including the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and potentially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to bolster the peace process. Strengthening ties with GCC member states is a foreign policy priority for Moscow, as evidenced by a 45% increase in trade turnover last year and ongoing cooperation under a joint action plan for 2023-2028.

He also noted the strategic dialogue's significance in facilitating discussions on regional and international issues while expanding trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties.