GULF DESK
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host Arab leaders and diplomats in Moscow on October 15 for the first Russia–Arab League Summit. Putin announced the initiative in April during his meeting with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in Moscow.
Invitations were sent to every member state of the Arab League, a 22-member international body that seeks to coordinate regional policy and international positions among Arab-majority countries.
The Russian government has stated that the goal of the summit is to “outline new guidelines for constructive cooperation in political, trade, economic, humanitarian, and other areas,” as well as to address regional and international security issues.
Influential regional leaders expected to attend include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Heads of state from countries experiencing political upheaval or civil war are also expected, including Libyan Presidential Council Chairman Mohammed al-Mnefi, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Sudanese Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The event is notable as it is the first of its kind and follows previous Russian regional initiatives such as the Russia–Africa Summit in 2023 and the Russia–China–North Korea summit held alongside the Moscow Victory Day Parade in May.
Russia has been working to establish itself as a major player in a new multipolar world order, especially as the United States appears to be retreating from the global stage. The Middle East is undergoing a significant shift as the Israeli war in Gaza has destabilized the region and disrupted the status quo. Russia is now seeking to reposition itself within this changing landscape.