Saudi FM: Russia can play role in fighting terrorism

Riyadh has formed a fairly representational delegation of the Syrian opposition, which along with other groups is a key player at the Geneva talks with the government, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

Lavrov delivered his statements during a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Adel Al Jubeir in Moscow after receiving the GCC foreign ministers to discuss regional events.

Lavrov said that the GCC countries and Russia were fully committed to decisions made by the International Syria Support Group.

Al-Jubeir emphasized the importance of discussing regional developments, especially in Syria and Iraq, besides the Iranian interference in the region’s affairs, adding that GCC states were exerting great efforts to develop relations with Russia in various areas.

He said: "We have historical ties and common interests between the GCC states and Russia." He added: "We value Russia's position in the respect for sovereignty and non-interference in their affairs," pointing to the agreement with Russia to intensify efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Al-Jubeir also said that the meeting between GCC foreign ministers and Russia has been fruitful, and it was agreed to activate the coordination and consultation mechanism between the two sides.

He stressed that Russia could play a role in the fight against terrorism and respond to crises in the region, saying: "We are working with Russia to confront the challenges which the region is facing.”

The joint ministerial meeting for the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Russia, is the fourth, but it is being hosted for the first in the Russian capital. Previous meetings were held in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Kuwait.

Lavrov: The GCC and Russia share similar views

Lavrov hailed Saudi efforts in forming Syria opposition delegation saying "I am certain that our friends from the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, are interested in holding the next round as soon as possible and in general, accelerate the intra-Syrian negotiating process with a view to approaching the fulfilment of the tasks set by the UN Security Council," he said.

He also praised the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), saying: "The GCC and Russia share similar views in respecting nations' sovereignty, committing to the international law and not interfering in internal affairs."

Russia ready to solve problems between Arab States and Iran

Al-Jubeir stressed on the importance of discussing regional developments, especially in Syria and Iraq, besides the Iranian interference in the region's affairs, to achieve regional stability.

Russia would like to help solve problems in relations between the GCC states and Iran, Lavrov said.

He said that Iran must abide by the international conventions in dealing with its neighbors, adding that Russia "would like to help solve specific problems" in relations between the Arab States of the Gulf and Iran.