Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s meeting with heads of diplomatic missions of Arab states accredited in Moscow

On October 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with the heads of diplomatic missions of Arab states accredited in Moscow, at their request.

During the exchange of views on developments in the Middle East, the primary focus was on the continuing unprecedented escalation of violence resulting from the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip and its attack on Lebanon, which have caused significant civilian casualties.

The meeting participants called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. They also expressed deep concern over the increased risks of a large-scale Middle East war, which could have disastrous consequences for the entire region. This concern was heightened against the backdrop of the October 1 retaliatory Iranian missile strike on Israeli territory. They emphasised that all parties involved should refrain from provocative actions, exercise restraint and adopt a responsible approach in accordance with the resolutions of the UN and its Security Council.

The representatives of Arab states thanked the Russian side for its energetic efforts, including at the UN Security Council, aimed at ending the bloodshed in the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation zone and normalising the situation in the Middle East.

Sergey Lavrov and the heads of diplomatic missions reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to further coordination between Moscow and Arab capitals in the interests of swiftly achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. This includes the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem.