Russian FM hails Arab "balanced stance" of Ukraine crisis

CAIRO, July 24 (KUNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has lauded Russian-Arab relations and appreciated what he described as "a balanced, just and responsible stance" of the Arab states of the Ukrainian crisis.
Addressing an Arab League Council meeting in Cairo Sunday, the Russian top-diplomat said he agreed with the Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abulgheit on intensifying efforts to expand cooperation in a wide array of domains.
He affirmed determination to strengthen partnership with the Arab states, especially in economy and trade.
He noted that the value of trade exchange between both sides rose to nearly USD 20 billion since the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in this regard.
He considered that this figure as un-impressive, "even if it proves that the Arab and Russian sides are on the right track".
Lavrov pointed out that Russia and the Arab states also cooperate in dealing with regional and international issues, especially the Palestinian cause, "which is in a very bad situation due to the United States' unwillingness to resume the Quartet work." He stressed that Moscow welcomes dialogue with friends in the Arab League and other parts of the world.
"Russia has nothing to hide", he said, blaming the West for the escalation of the situation in Ukraine.
The West has neglected Moscow's legitimate security concerns, particularly the expansion of NATO, which is getting closer to Russia's borders and providing Kyiv with different kinds of weapons and preparing plans to establish some military bases in Ukraine to be used against Russia, he disclosed.
On the impact of the Ukraine crisis on the global food security, the Russian minister suggested that the drought which stroke many parts of the world over the past four years and the coronavirus outbreak are the main causes of the global food crisis not the operations in Ukraine.
Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the Arab League Advisor Falah Al-Mutairi attended the council meeting. (end) ms.rg.ibi