403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Lavrov: Iran's Inclusion Key to Stable Gulf Security Framework
(MENAFN) Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged on Monday that Iran be brought into a regional security arrangement covering the Gulf, describing such a move as essential to lasting stability in the area.
Addressing students and faculty at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Lavrov framed Iranian participation as a concrete step forward rather than a symbolic gesture.
He pointed back to a Russian proposal floated more than two decades ago, under which Gulf states — including the Arab monarchies — and Iran would jointly explore a security framework for the region.
"Recognizing that relations between them are complex, we proceeded from the assumption that we would facilitate meetings, discussions of mutual grievances, and agreement on certain confidence-building measures," he said.
"We believed these discussions would be easier to organize if the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council were involved simultaneously," he added.
Lavrov said momentum shifted following what he described as a joint military campaign launched by the US and Israel against Tehran in February.
"Several years ago, before the Israeli and US aggression against Iran, relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia were normalized thanks to China's initiative and our active encouragement," he noted.
Mecca Agreement Seen as Building Block
Lavrov also pointed to the Mecca Agreement — put forward by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye — as a structure "for collective security and a defensive alliance."
He noted that backers of the agreement have stressed it remains open to additional countries, including those beyond the Gulf region itself.
"Egypt is often mentioned. I am sure that if Algeria shows interest, that too would have a positive effect at some stage," Lavrov said.
"If such a structure were also to agree on the conditions under which Iran could participate in this process, I think that would be the most practical step in the direction of the concept we originally formulated," he added.
Lavrov closed by stating that Russia does not intend to position itself as the driving force behind the initiative.
Addressing students and faculty at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Lavrov framed Iranian participation as a concrete step forward rather than a symbolic gesture.
He pointed back to a Russian proposal floated more than two decades ago, under which Gulf states — including the Arab monarchies — and Iran would jointly explore a security framework for the region.
"Recognizing that relations between them are complex, we proceeded from the assumption that we would facilitate meetings, discussions of mutual grievances, and agreement on certain confidence-building measures," he said.
"We believed these discussions would be easier to organize if the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council were involved simultaneously," he added.
Lavrov said momentum shifted following what he described as a joint military campaign launched by the US and Israel against Tehran in February.
"Several years ago, before the Israeli and US aggression against Iran, relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia were normalized thanks to China's initiative and our active encouragement," he noted.
Mecca Agreement Seen as Building Block
Lavrov also pointed to the Mecca Agreement — put forward by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye — as a structure "for collective security and a defensive alliance."
He noted that backers of the agreement have stressed it remains open to additional countries, including those beyond the Gulf region itself.
"Egypt is often mentioned. I am sure that if Algeria shows interest, that too would have a positive effect at some stage," Lavrov said.
"If such a structure were also to agree on the conditions under which Iran could participate in this process, I think that would be the most practical step in the direction of the concept we originally formulated," he added.
Lavrov closed by stating that Russia does not intend to position itself as the driving force behind the initiative.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment