More than 50 experts and politicians from 15 countries will gather in Moscow on February 4-5 for the 14th Middle East Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club. The event, titled “Middle East 2025: Learning Lessons from the Past, Surviving the Present, and Designing the Future,” will focus on the region’s shifting dynamics.
The conference will bring together political figures from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, and other Middle Eastern countries, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to attend. Discussions will center on recent developments, including the changing landscape in Syria, escalating Iran-Israel tensions, the Gaza conflict, and the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea.
“The goal of this conference is to engage as many stakeholders as possible in discussions about the latest regional changes, ways to ease tensions, and Russia’s approach to resolving key issues,” organizers said.
Key Themes and Agenda
The two-day event will feature six thematic sessions covering a broad range of topics, from Russia’s evolving role in the Middle East to the region’s scientific and technological advancements.
In conjunction with the conference, the Valdai Club and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences have prepared a new report, “Syria and the Crossroads of Middle Eastern Uncertainty.” The study explores post-regime change scenarios in Syria and proposes five major reforms aimed at ensuring the country's long-term stability under new leadership.
Russia’s Role in the Middle East
Given the heightened tensions in the Middle East, this year’s conference is especially timely, according to Vitaly Naumkin, academic director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences. He emphasized that Russia’s approach—centered on constructive dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and balanced diplomacy—makes it well-positioned to facilitate regional solutions.
“Several major conflicts in the region remain unresolved, but there are glimpses of hope,” Naumkin noted. “We expect this event to be productive, as there is a growing willingness among regional actors to compromise, seek peaceful resolutions, and shift focus toward economic development, political reform, and rebuilding societies.”
Valdai Club experts also stress that Russia continues to play a stabilizing role in the region. Unlike other global powers, they argue, Moscow pursues an independent foreign policy, prioritizing diplomatic engagement and cooperation with all parties rather than being driven solely by economic interests.
A Chronicle of Middle Eastern Affairs
The Valdai Middle East Conference has become a key platform for analyzing the region’s transformations, from the aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq and the Arab Spring to the conflicts in Syria and Libya. Over the past year, Valdai has hosted discussions on Iran’s presidential elections, the deepening Palestinian-Israeli crisis, and Syria’s evolving situation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: "Valdai International Discussion Club"
Based on TASS materials