This was announced during Zakharova’s media briefing on Thursday on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, where she noted that communications between Lavrov and the Arab ministers will take place within the framework of the upcoming round of strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Russia cooperates with the GCC in various fields including politics, economy, security, culture, and education, as Moscow seeks to develop its relations with this important region, which represents leading economies in the Middle East.

The GCC countries also attach great importance to cooperation with Russia in light of the historical and strategic relations linking the two regions. The Secretary-General of the GCC, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, said during the seventh joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Russia on September 9, 2024, that the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Russia is part of the strategic dialogue established under the memorandum of understanding signed in Abu Dhabi in November 2011, complementing the diligent efforts made by both sides to strengthen friendly ties to meet their aspirations.