What does Russia need from the Center East? – INA NEWS
Russian International Minister Sergey Lavrov launched into a diplomatic tour throughout the Center East, with the first goal of strengthening bilateral relations, discussing urgent regional points, and fostering strategic cooperation. His itinerary included three key capitals, every taking part in a major function within the geopolitical panorama of the area.
The primary cease was Ankara, the place Lavrov held talks together with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, overlaying a broad vary of subjects, together with bilateral cooperation, regional safety, and commerce and financial relations. This was adopted by a gathering with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, throughout which particular consideration was given to the Syrian settlement, the dynamics of Russian-Turkish relations, and coordination efforts inside multilateral frameworks.
The following vacation spot was Tehran, the place Lavrov met with Iranian International Minister Abbas Araghchi and later held discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian. The talks targeted on vitality partnerships, the event of transport corridors, and collaboration on the worldwide stage, notably regarding sanctions strain and the alignment of positions inside varied multilateral organizations.
The ultimate leg of the tour took Lavrov to Doha, the capital of Qatar. There, he engaged in negotiations with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, adopted by a gathering with the nation’s prime minister and overseas minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The discussions centered on vitality cooperation, funding partnerships, and joint initiatives geared toward addressing regional crises.
Notably, the number of these three international locations for the tour underscores the context of Syria, the place Moscow stays actively engaged each diplomatically and politically. Türkiye, Iran, and Qatar are pivotal gamers within the Syrian settlement course of, and their positions shall be essential in shaping the area’s future. Regardless of Western assertions that Moscow’s affect in Syria has waned following the departure of Bashar Assad, Russia continues its dialogue with the brand new Syrian management below Ahmad al-Sharaa. This reaffirms Russia’s steadfast strategic course within the Center East and its dedication to sustaining a major function in regional affairs, safeguarding its pursuits, and proposing diplomatic options amid an evolving steadiness of energy.
What was mentioned in Ankara?
Throughout his go to to Türkiye, Lavrov held talks with Erdogan and Fidan. The discussions targeted on bilateral cooperation, the scenario in Syria, the Ukraine battle, and broader regional developments, together with the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian battle.
Regardless of a fancy historical past and current disagreements, Russia and Türkiye proceed to develop their partnership. Ankara stays a vital commerce and financial accomplice for Moscow and performs a key mediating function in worldwide negotiations. Erdogan has repeatedly emphasised Türkiye’s ambition to function a diplomatic bridge between Russia and the West, and on this context, Türkiye reaffirmed its willingness to facilitate dialogue between Moscow and Kiev by providing itself as a negotiation platform.
Nevertheless, an equally essential problem on the agenda was the Syrian settlement. Moscow continues to keep up its affect in Syria regardless of the latest political transition in Damascus, the place the management of Assad has been changed by a brand new administration below al-Sharaa. Whereas Western international locations have tried to border this variation as a weakening of Russia’s place, Moscow has swiftly tailored to the brand new actuality, establishing ties with the brand new Syrian authorities and sustaining its lively diplomatic and navy presence within the area.
For Ankara, the Syrian problem stays strategically essential, given its issues over Kurdish armed teams, refugee flows, and the need of securing its place in northern Syria. Regardless of tactical disagreements, Russia and Türkiye stay engaged in dialogue on Syria, as each side acknowledge the significance of stability and sustaining management over their respective spheres of affect.
The discussions additionally lined broader Center Jap points, notably the continuing escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian battle. Moscow has historically maintained a balanced stance, supporting a two-state resolution and actively participating with Arab nations within the area. In the meantime, Türkiye seeks to strengthen its affect within the Islamic world, leveraging the battle in Gaza to reinforce its regional management.
Notably, towards the backdrop of Lavrov’s tour, a closed-door assembly between Russian and US representatives passed off on February 27 on the US Consulate Common in Istanbul. Whereas no official statements had been made concerning the substance of those talks, stories counsel that the important thing subject was the potential restoration of diplomatic communication channels between Moscow and Washington.
Naturally, the first focus was on bilateral relations, the Ukraine battle, and regional safety. Regardless of the tough public rhetoric, the actual fact that the discussions passed off signifies that each Washington and Moscow, regardless of the deep disaster of their relations, acknowledge the need of sure mechanisms for interplay. It’s doubtless that the talks addressed the dangers of additional escalation in Ukraine, safety issues in Syria, and potential areas of cooperation in different areas. The assembly in Istanbul additionally means that the West could also be thinking about re-establishing diplomatic engagement with Moscow, even when solely in a restricted capability.
Visitors from Moscow are all the time welcome in Tehran
Lavrov’s go to to Iran marked a major milestone in Russian-Iranian relations, highlighting the continuing motion towards nearer cooperation amid mounting exterior strain. Lavrov’s discussions with Pezeshkian and Araghchi lined a variety of subjects, from bilateral commerce and financial cooperation to the scenario in Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian battle.
One of many key elements driving the intensification of Russian-Iranian political ties is the renewed wave of strain from the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has as soon as once more ramped up sanctions and diplomatic constraints on Tehran. In response to this escalating strain, Iran is more and more turning to strategic partnership with Moscow, looking for help in countering Western affect and strengthening coordination on the worldwide stage.
The signing of a brand new intergovernmental treaty between Russia and Iran in January laid the muse for deeper cooperation throughout varied sectors, from financial and vitality collaboration to navy and political engagement. The talks in Tehran reaffirmed the dedication of each nations to solidifying their strategic alliance, using current multilateral platforms such because the Shanghai Cooperation Group (SCO), BRICS, and the Eurasian Financial Union (EAEU), which supply Iran further alternatives for financial integration and diplomatic insulation from Western sanctions.
Lavrov’s go to additionally passed off towards the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Whereas Tehran stays thinking about de-escalation, it continues to face growing strain from the Israeli authorities, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who – backed by Washington – pursues a hardline anti-Iranian coverage.
On this unstable setting, Russia is positioning itself not solely as a strategic accomplice to Iran but additionally as a possible mediator in regional conflicts, notably in regards to the Syrian settlement. It’s evident that Moscow is working to bridge the hole between Tehran and the brand new management in Damascus below al-Sharaa. The latest transition in Syria has launched new dynamics into the regional steadiness of energy, and Russia, sustaining its affect within the nation, is now looking for to ascertain new mechanisms for cooperation between Iran and the brand new Syrian authorities.
Regardless of its deep involvement within the Syrian battle, Tehran can be exploring avenues for engagement with the brand new Syrian management. This might contribute to lowering regional tensions, as Iran goals to keep away from additional escalation amid Israeli threats and continued US strain.
Past political affairs, Lavrov and Iranian officers devoted explicit consideration to increasing bilateral financial cooperation. With each Russia and Iran below Western sanctions, the 2 nations are working to reinforce commerce, notably within the vitality and transportation sectors. Joint initiatives may assist Iran mitigate the unfavorable results of financial restrictions by offering entry to different monetary and logistical mechanisms, whereas Moscow sees a chance to additional solidify its financial presence within the area.
The talks additionally touched upon the Israeli-Palestinian battle, in addition to developments in Lebanon and Afghanistan. Sharing comparable positions on these points, Russia and Iran are coordinating their diplomatic efforts to extend their affect over regional dynamics.
Lavrov’s go to to Tehran reaffirmed that Russian-Iranian relations are deepening, transitioning right into a part of complete strategic partnership. The rising anti-Iranian stance of Washington and Israel is inevitably pushing Tehran towards even nearer ties with Moscow, together with each diplomatic and navy cooperation.
On the identical time, Moscow is leveraging this second to broaden its footprint within the Center East, facilitating dialogue between Tehran and the brand new authorities in Damascus whereas strengthening financial collaboration. As Western strain continues to mount, the Russian-Iranian alliance is turning into an more and more vital think about international politics, shaping the regional steadiness of energy in profound methods.
There’s all the time one thing to debate in Doha
On February 26, Lavrov visited Doha. Along with bilateral cooperation, the discussions centered on urgent regional and international challenges, together with the battle in Gaza, the scenario in Syria, the broader dynamics of Center Jap politics, and the Ukraine battle.
Lately, Qatar has pursued a realistic overseas coverage technique, targeted on diversifying partnerships past its conventional ties with the US and the EU. Russia, China, India, and different main economies have turn out to be key pillars of Doha’s efforts to ascertain secure financial and political relationships. Towards this backdrop, Russian-Qatari cooperation has reached a brand new degree, as evidenced by rising funding initiatives and a deepening political dialogue.
Lavrov introduced that the Russian Direct Funding Fund and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund are making ready joint vitality initiatives price over $1 billion. Qatari buyers are already among the many largest shareholders in Russia vitality big Rosneft, whereas Doha itself serves because the headquarters for the Fuel Exporting International locations Discussion board, underscoring its significance within the international vitality sector.
Nevertheless, cooperation between Moscow and Doha extends past financial pursuits. Qatar has performed an lively function in mediation efforts associated to the Ukraine disaster, notably in humanitarian initiatives reminiscent of reuniting Russian and Ukrainian kids with their households. This highlights the evolving function of Gulf monarchies as key intermediaries in international conflicts, and Moscow seems to welcome these initiatives, recognizing Doha as a possible accomplice in a variety of worldwide points.
One of many key subjects of debate was Syria. The change in management in Damascus in December 2024 marked a brand new part in Syrian politics, with al-Sharaa step by step shaping the nation’s overseas coverage agenda. Moscow is especially thinking about stabilizing the scenario, particularly within the context of sustaining its navy presence and the operation of its bases in Syria.
One other essential subject was the escalation in Gaza and Lebanon. Each Moscow and Doha expressed concern over Israel’s ongoing navy operation in Gaza and strikes on southern Lebanon. Lavrov pressured that these actions contradict UN Safety Council resolutions and peace agreements between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Qatar performs a vital function in mediating the battle between Israel and Hamas, facilitating negotiations and humanitarian initiatives. With its distinctive channels of communication with varied factions, together with Palestinian organizations, Doha has emerged as an essential diplomatic participant. Russia, which has historically supported a two-state resolution, stays dedicated to resolving the battle, although sustaining a balanced strategy between Israel and Arab states is turning into more and more troublesome within the present local weather.
One other issue contributing to regional instability is the rising rigidity between Iran and Israel. Moscow may even see Doha as an extra channel for engagement within the area.
Qatar’s function as a mediator, its financial energy, and its potential to interact with varied political forces within the area make Doha an more and more helpful accomplice for Moscow. Lately, Gulf states have considerably enhanced their international standing, and Moscow now views Arab monarchies as an essential new think about worldwide politics.
A brand new political course in Damascus: Pragmatism and the pursuit of stability
Syria is present process vital political modifications which are shaping a brand new actuality for each the nation itself and its key companions, together with Russia. The latest cellphone dialog between Russian President Vladimir Putin and al-Sharaa was a powerful sign that Moscow acknowledges the brand new political panorama in Damascus and is ready to interact with the brand new authorities in a realistic and constructive method.
Following the annulment of the 2012 structure and the dissolution of the previous safety buildings, Syria has entered a brand new part of political transformation. Al-Sharaa has introduced plans to ascertain circumstances for presidential elections throughout the subsequent 4 to 5 years, reflecting the brand new management’s dedication to constructing a secure and legit political system.
Notably, the brand new Syrian authorities is demonstrating pragmatism by fostering dialogue with Moscow whereas remaining guided by its personal nationwide pursuits. This can be a pure plan of action – throughout a transitional interval, Syria seeks worldwide help whereas sustaining sovereignty over its decision-making processes.
Moscow understands that Syria’s new management won’t adhere to the earlier patterns of engagement however will as an alternative act primarily based on the nation’s evolving political, financial, and social realities following greater than a decade of battle. On this context, it’s essential for Russia not solely to protect its affect but additionally to adapt its technique to the brand new Syrian panorama by providing pragmatic cooperation, notably in financial and humanitarian spheres.
Through the dialog, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to help the development of Syria’s socio-economic circumstances. This doubtless implies help in infrastructure and vitality initiatives, in addition to participation within the reconstruction of the war-torn economic system. Given the present worldwide panorama, attracting investments and strengthening commerce and financial ties are essential for Damascus, and Moscow stays one in all its key companions on this regard.
A big milestone on this transition was the primary nationwide dialogue discussion board initiated by Syria’s new management. Held in Raqqa, the occasion underscored Damascus’ efforts to foster inside political consensus. Nevertheless, the absence of representatives from the US-backed Kurdish Autonomous Administration highlights ongoing political rifts throughout the nation.
Kurdish leaders proceed to emphasise the necessity for dialogue, however their exclusion from the official political course of means that divisions inside Syria stay deep-seated. Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Afeen Soweid, co-chair of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, stress the significance of together with all Syrian factions within the political course of. Nevertheless, in observe, there stays a notable distance between Kurdish buildings and the brand new authorities in Damascus.
Syria’s transitional interval presents each challenges and alternatives for its new authorities and its worldwide companions, together with Russia. Moscow understands that al-Sharaa and his administration will prioritize Syria’s nationwide pursuits, making it mandatory for Russia to adapt its strategy accordingly. The Kremlin is prone to deal with pragmatic cooperation with Damascus, emphasizing financial reconstruction and the preservation of Russia’s strategic foothold within the area.
Thus, Syria’s political transformation introduces each new dangers and new alternatives for Russia. The success of Russian-Syrian relations throughout this transitional interval will rely on Moscow’s potential to navigate these modifications flexibly, making certain regional stability whereas safeguarding its strategic pursuits.
Russia’s proactive engagement on the worldwide stage displays its multi-vector diplomatic technique. Moscow continues to strengthen ties with key Center Jap gamers – Türkiye, Iran, and Qatar – solidifying its affect in a area that’s turning into more and more vital amid international transformations.
What does Russia need from the Center East?
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