Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani during which they discussed the first Russia-Arab summit and agreed to postpone the summit to a later date.

The Kremlin confirmed that the Russian and Iraqi sides will communicate the postponement of the Russia-Arab summit to the capitals of Arab countries through diplomatic channels, according to the news site “Russia Today.”

The Kremlin explained that Putin and the Iraqi Prime Minister agreed it was more appropriate to delay the summit because many invited Arab leaders would find it difficult to attend in person in Moscow amid the active phase of implementing US President Donald Trump’s plan concerning the Gaza Strip.

The Kremlin added that the date for the Russia-Arab summit will be agreed upon later.

The summit, originally scheduled for October 15, was meant to crown the significant progress in Russia-Arab relations, which have seen considerable advancement politically, economically, and culturally in recent years.