Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the 8th Ministerial M Meeting of the Russia−GCC Strategic Dialogue, Sochi, September 11, 2025
11 September 2025 14:39
1458-11-09-2025
Mr Chairman,
Mr Secretary General,
Colleagues,
Friends,
I am pleased to extend my warmest welcome to you all in Sochi for the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Russia−Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategic Dialogue. This is not the first occasion on which we have convened such an event. The Russian Federation has previously hosted two strategic dialogues - on May 26, 2016, and July 10, 2023 - both held in Moscow. Today, we have opted for a change of venue. I trust that the traditional hospitality of the beautiful city of Sochi and the picturesque landscapes of the Black Sea coast in the North Caucasus will create the ideal atmosphere for our discussions. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Russia places particular emphasis on strengthening its privileged partnership with GCC member states. This objective is enshrined as a priority within our foreign policy. Initiated in 2011, the Strategic Dialogue has, over these 14 years, demonstrated its relevance and effectiveness, evolving into a key platform for frank and constructive exchanges on pressing regional and international issues, as well as deepening business collaboration and expanding cultural and humanitarian ties.
Today's meeting occurs against the backdrop of escalating military and political tensions in the Middle East following Israel's missile and bomb strikes on September 9, this year, targeting the capital of Qatar - Doha. We have received these reports with profound concern. We regard this act as a gross violation of international law - above all, the UN Charter - an assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state, and a step that risks further destabilising the Middle East. Such actions undoubtedly merit the strongest condemnation.
The situation is rendered all the more cynical by the fact that Qatar serves as one of the key mediators in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding ceasefire terms in the Gaza Strip. It is evident that such Israeli actions only undermine international efforts to seek peaceful resolutions, demonstrating an unwillingness to halt the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as an intent to sabotage the very possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.
Naturally, we will discuss this situation today with our friends and seek to develop joint measures to mitigate the negative repercussions of this act for the region. Russia stands ready to provide every possible assistance to the GCC and our colleagues present here in formulating a collective line within the framework of the GCC, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Russia and your countries maintain intensive high-level contacts, which lend strong momentum to advancing our relations. In 2023, President of Russia Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, holding substantive talks with President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. In April this year, Russia hosted Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, while in October 2024 and August this year, we welcomed President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Moscow.
We look forward to welcoming your leaders on October 15 in Moscow for the first Russian-Arab Summit. A preparatory meeting at the foreign ministers' level will take place on October 13. We would be delighted to see you there, as this meeting aims to finalise the outcome documents of the Russian-Arab Summit.
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