Forging better ties

Russia aims to strengthen relations with Gulf countries, the country’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Kuwait on Wednesday. “Russia and Saudi Arabia seek to fight terrorism in Syria,” Lavrov said during a joint press conference with Kuwaiti FM Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, adding that, “Saudi Arabia sees need in creating a constitutional committee in Syria.”

“The international community ties aid to Syria with a political solution to the crisis,” he said. Kuwait FM Al-Sabah said the return of Syria to the Arab community “makes us happy and we seek a speedy political solution.” Lavrov added that Russia is eager to hear more details about the US plan for peace in the region and is in communication with US to ease any further escalation in Syria.

The Russian foreign minister is currently on a tour of Gulf states. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on King Salman at his palace in Riyadh on Tuesday and conveyed the greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the king.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries. At a joint press conference with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir in Riyadh, Lavrov said Moscow hoped to contribute to the Saudi civilian nuclear energy programme. “We have pointed out that there is a Saudi nuclear programme for peaceful uses,” he said.