What are the implications and goals of the Gulf-Russian summit?

In an effort to end the Russian-Ukrainian war and open new doors towards the world, Gulf countries seek to initiate dialogue with Russia regarding the future of the world in a strategic dialogue between the Gulf states and Russia.

Gulf countries intend to open new avenues and prospects towards the world, starting with a vision of consensus, especially since Gulf-Russian relations have been outstanding since the signing of the memorandum of understanding for strategic dialogue in November 2011. The continuation of these relations until today indicates the commitment of both sides to build strong relationships aimed at serving their common interests.

The Sixth Joint Ministerial Meeting

Recently, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Badawi, confirmed that the sixth joint ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue between the Gulf states and Russia, which will be held tomorrow in Moscow, aims to enhance relations between the two sides in a way that serves their common interests.

Al-Badawi stated that Gulf-Russian relations have been outstanding since the signing of the memorandum of understanding for strategic dialogue in November 2011, and he pointed out that their continuation until today indicates the commitment of both sides to build strong and close relationships aimed at serving their common interests in all fields and areas.

During previous meetings, discussions did not go beyond the meeting table to translate into practical actions. If there was anything, it did not meet the aspirations of both sides, the determination of the highest leaderships, and their true will to move towards each other, which is not commensurate with the magnitude of the challenges and reveals a lack of effective mechanisms to realize those wills.

Gulf-Russian Relations

Gulf-Russian relations have evolved to play an important role in mediating during the Ukrainian crisis, especially regarding prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia was involved in one of the prisoner exchange deals between Russia and Ukraine, while President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates was involved in another deal.

Cooperation between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has also increased in various fields, whether economic, military, or other areas of cooperation.

Officials from the Russian side and the Gulf have engaged in intensive diplomatic visits recently to enhance cooperation between them.

Geopolitical Position

On his part, Fahd Al-Shelaimi, the President of the Gulf Forum, says that the geopolitical position has led the Gulf countries to engage with partners other than the United States and the European Union. This is due to political maneuvering, flexibility, and maintaining equal distance from all conflicting parties, especially after the division in the Russian-Ukrainian war, so Gulf countries found themselves between two options and created a third one.

Al-Shelaimi added that the two options were either to stand with Russia or with America, noting that Gulf countries chose both options by standing with the European Union, America, and Ukraine in establishing international law. They also stood with Russia in the oil file, and China became another available option.

He further stated that Gulf countries sought their political interests in affirming and framing their commitment to international law, non-aggression, good neighborly relations, and this is in the political file. As for the economic file, Gulf countries sought to consider their interests despite American or European pressures. However, Saudi Arabia will reduce its production by one million barrels per day, and Russia as the largest oil producer outside OPEC with ten million barrels. He added that coordination with Russia is necessary, which led to the formation of the “OPEC Plus” group, including Russia, in order to maintain realistic energy prices and stabilize production at a rate of three dollars daily.

In the same context, many activists commented on the Gulf-Russian dialogue, pointing out that the Gulf-Russian summit in its sixth edition aims to strengthen relations and activate cooperation, as explained by political activist Nawwaf Al-Jasser.

Abu Abdulaziz, another activist, stated that the Gulf Cooperation Council intends to hold the Gulf-Russian dialogue, which will be held on Monday in Moscow, to enhance relations and common interests between the two parties.