Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, during talks on the sidelines of the UN, voiced their support for an early ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and expressed concerns over the tense situation in the Red Sea waters. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the discussions.
"A thorough exchange of views on topical Middle East issues was held," - stated the ministry. - "The foreign ministers spoke in favor of the earliest possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensuring conditions for humanitarian assistance to the residents of the enclave. They expressed general concern about the tense situation in the Red Sea area, sharply degraded as a result of irresponsible forceful actions of the United States and a number of states that joined them against Yemen."
According to Smolenskaya Square, "both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the fundamental principles of Russian-Iranian relations and the UN Charter, emphasizing non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
The ministers delved into a wide range of bilateral issues, focusing on the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, including talks between the presidents of Russia and Iran in Moscow on December 7, 2023. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized the mutual readiness to further enhance practical cooperation in all priority areas.
About Lebanon
Regarding Lebanon, Lavrov stressed the inadmissibility of Lebanon's involvement in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict during talks with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic Abdallah Bou Habib. Lavrov underscored Russia's unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the resolution of acute humanitarian problems.
The ministers discussed various aspects of the traditionally friendly Russian-Lebanese relations, confirming mutual willingness to deepen political dialogue and expand cooperation in trade, economic, humanitarian, and other areas.
Earlier, Lavrov participated in a meeting of the UN Security Council, requested by Russia, on the situation in Ukraine. He visited New York between January 22 and 24 to contribute to the UN Security Council debate on the Middle East and attend the meeting on Ukraine.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS