The first Russia-Arab summit, taking place in Moscow, aims to strengthen Russia’s bilateral ties with Middle Eastern countries, develop economic cooperation, and establish common approaches to ensuring global security. This opinion was shared in an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS by Murad Sadygzade, an expert at the Russian International Affairs Council and President of the Centre for Middle Eastern Studies.

According to the expert, the idea of holding the meeting emerged less than a year ago and became a natural continuation of a number of successful international formats, including the Russia-Africa, BRICS, and SCO summits.

“The very fact that such a summit is being held reflects Russia’s significant role in the Middle East and the positive attitude towards it in the region. The country is regarded with trust, seen as a predictable and reliable partner with whom it is beneficial to cooperate. Russia consistently takes into account the interests of all states, treating nations and regions with respect. Therefore, from this perspective, it is quite a positive signal,” stated Murad Sadygzade.

He expressed confidence that the Moscow meeting would mark the beginning of a new tradition of multilateral dialogue. Sadygzade emphasised that the initiatives discussed at the summit would continue to develop on other international platforms, including the Russia–League of Arab States (LAS), Russia–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and other formats.

“Of course, this will contribute to the development of interaction not only at the bilateral level but also in a multilateral format – for example, within such groups as BRICS and the SCO,” the expert added.

The first Russia-Arab summit will be held under the motto “Cooperation for peace, stability and security.”

Russian Presidential Aide for Foreign Policy Yuri Ushakov earlier reported that the leaders of 22 countries and the Secretary-General of the LAS had been invited to attend the meeting. At the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, following the ministerial meeting in the Russia–GCC format in September, stated that almost all Arab leaders had confirmed their intention to participate in the summit. He added that experts were working on a draft final declaration and an action plan for Russia–GCC cooperation for 2026–2028.

The summit was initially scheduled for 15 October. However, the Kremlin press service later announced that President of Russia Vladimir Putin, during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Iraq and current Chair of the Arab League Summit Mohammed al-Sudani, agreed to postpone the event to a later date. The new date will be confirmed in due course.

The news was updated on 10 October at 11:15 Moscow time.

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