Lavrov calls for Gulf states to have decisive say on regional security

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for direct dialogue among Gulf states and their neighbours, saying coastal countries should have the decisive say in securing the region.

He set out the position on October 18 in Manama at the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council strategic dialogue, Interfax reported. Lavrov also named Iraq and Jordan as participants in the proposed dialogue.

Russia proposes involving the leadership of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in creating conditions for negotiations. Permanent members of the UN Security Council could support the process if countries in the region wanted their involvement, he said.

Lavrov said Moscow supported efforts to prevent a return to full-scale war in the region. He described Russia's updated concept for collective security in the Gulf as its contribution, noting that earlier versions had been discussed for decades with political, academic and expert circles in GCC countries.