The Middle East has become a focal point where the interests of numerous global powers collide, making a swift return to stability unlikely, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"The Middle East is a crossroads for many global processes," Lavrov stated at the 15th Valdai Discussion Club Middle East Conference. "Even those that originate on other continents often spill over into this region in one way or another, coming into conflict with the interests of other states. Unfortunately, at this stage, I do not believe this region will settle down soon, despite the vast number of initiatives we are all familiar with."
Lavrov noted that a surge of diplomatic proposals emerged in the immediate aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2011, "when the West sought to dismantle regimes it found unfavorable". Since then, he argued, the geopolitical landscape has failed to produce any meaningful shifts that would reassure peacebuilders or political analysts.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS