Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov held discussions with Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali to address Middle East issues following the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC) held in Moscow.
The meeting focused on further coordination between Moscow and Tehran on mutual Middle East interests, taking into account the outcomes of the ministerial meeting. The Iranian ambassador requested the meeting, and the discussions aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on regional issues.
Earlier, the Iranian foreign ministry expressed its protest to the Russian ambassador in Tehran over the final statement of the GCC ministerial meeting in Moscow. The protest was related to the reference made in the statement regarding the ownership of three islands in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian side called for adjustments to Russia's position on the issue, asserting that the islands belong to Iran.
The strategic dialogue between Russia and the GCC took place in Moscow, where joint statements and an action plan for 2023-2028 were adopted. The ministers reaffirmed support for peace efforts, including the United Arab Emirates' initiative to seek a peaceful resolution to the issue of the disputed islands through bilateral negotiations or in the UN International Court of Justice. The ownership of the islands - Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa - is a point of contention between the UAE and Iranian authorities in the strategically significant Persian Gulf region.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS