British News Agency

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the importance Russia attaches to developing economic and diplomatic relations with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Speaking at the opening of the ninth Ministerial Meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue, held on October 18 in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, Lavrov reported that total trade between Russia and GCC countries had increased by 45 percent in 2025.

Recalling that the GCC was celebrating the 45th anniversary of its establishment, Lavrov stated that strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations with Gulf countries was among Russia's foreign policy priorities. He noted that the strategic dialogue mechanism had been established in Abu Dhabi approximately 15 years ago and that the format contributed to addressing sensitive issues on the global and regional agendas, as well as developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations.

Lavrov said high-level contacts and foreign policy coordination between Russia and GCC member states were continuing, adding that intergovernmental commissions and business councils also contributed to achieving tangible results. He stated that efforts to implement the Strategic Dialogue Joint Action Plan for 2023–2028 supported bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Emphasizing the importance of regional stability for economic cooperation, Lavrov said he expected the meeting to address Middle Eastern issues in detail, particularly developments in and around the Gulf.

Lavrov claimed that the military and political crisis in the Persian Gulf had emerged following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. He stated that Russia supported peace initiatives aimed at preventing the resumption of a large-scale war in the region.

Lavrov also presented Russia's updated concept for ensuring collective security in the Persian Gulf region, stating that coastal states should play a decisive role in decisions concerning the region's security future. He noted that the concept aimed to pave the way for direct dialogue between Gulf countries and their neighbors, including Iraq and Jordan.

Lavrov said that the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and, if requested by the countries concerned, the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council could also be involved in supporting the process.

Emphasizing that Russia valued its friendly relations with all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Lavrov reaffirmed his country's commitment to developing the strategic dialogue for the benefit of their countries and peoples.