Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Representative of the Russian President for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister, held discussions with Hossam Zaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab League (AL), regarding the escalation in Syria, as well as the situations in Lebanon and Palestine. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided details of the meeting.
“The meeting featured an in-depth exchange of views on a broad range of Middle Eastern issues, with a particular focus on the escalation in Syria, the situation in Lebanon, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” the ministry stated. “It was reaffirmed that resolving crises in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means, while avoiding external interference in the internal affairs of these states, remains indispensable.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted that both sides reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening multifaceted Russian-Arab cooperation, including through the Russia-Arab League framework. “In this context, it was agreed to continue close coordination to develop mechanisms and organize events at various levels aimed at deepening Russia’s engagement with the Arab world,” the statement added.
This comes amid heightened tensions following a large-scale assault launched on November 27 by the extremist group Jabhat al-Nusra (banned in Russia). The group attacked northern Syrian villages, towns, and military positions protected by the Syrian army. As per the Syrian Armed Forces' command, the offensive targeted both civilian areas and government troops.
On November 30, the Syrian military announced counteroffensive operations, including strikes against terrorist positions in Aleppo. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that several neighborhoods had been breached by insurgents, necessitating a regrouping of forces to safeguard civilian and military lives while preparing for a decisive counterattack.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials