US-Turkish relations: US will not be selling F 16 fighter jets to Turkey

US-Turkish relations: US will not be selling F 16 fighter jets to Turkey

    Tuesday, December 20, 2022   No comments

Turkish leaders will have to make new choices soon in the light of developments in the region and around the world.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had already threatened that Turkey may turn to countries such as Russia if the US fails to follow through a pledge to deliver F-16 fighter jets.

In July, the White House said that Turkey would be excluded from the more sophisticated F-35 stealth fighter jet program after it purchased the Russian S-400 air defense missile system despite warnings from Western allies.

The Pentagon later confirmed that a process is already underway to move the production of Turkey-made F-35 parts – worth at least $9 billion to Turkish manufacturers – to suppliers in the United States and other countries.

“Unfortunately, Turkey’s decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems renders its continued involvement with the F-35 impossible,” White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said in a Wednesday, July 17 statement.

After the statement of the Chinese-Gulf summit.. Beijing confirms its support for Iran's territorial sovereignty

After the statement of the Chinese-Gulf summit.. Beijing confirms its support for Iran's territorial sovereignty

    Wednesday, December 14, 2022   No comments

Chinese Vice Prime Minister Hu Chunhua stressed on Tuesday that "China supports Iran's national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honor, and combats foreign interference."

"Beijing's will to develop comprehensive strategic relations with Tehran has never changed," Hu Chunhua said during his meeting with Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's first vice president.

For his part, Mokhbar saw that Beijing and Tehran have a common view against unilateralism and hegemony, noting that "respecting Iran's territorial integrity is a sensitive matter for us, and everyone must respect this point."

Mokhber also pointed out that the bilateral negotiations between the two countries are progressing well, thanking China for its support for Iran's presence in the Shanghai and BRICS organizations.

Tehran had summoned the Chinese ambassador to it, to protest against the statement of the Gulf-Chinese summit, which touched on the status of the Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands, which are disputed by Iran and the UAE.

These steps came after the Gulf states and China issued, a few days ago, a joint statement, in which they touched on the support of the UAE in reaching a negotiated and peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands that Iran considers part of its territory, as well as calling on Iran to seriously engage in negotiations to return to the nuclear agreement.

Iran considered the statement an interference in its internal affairs, and stressed at the same time that the status of the three islands would not change and that they would remain Iranian forever.

During the meeting, Wu Chun Hua's informant reviewed the latest developments regarding the implementation of the joint cooperation program between the two countries, which extends to 25 years, and stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of this program.

It should be noted that the Chinese president also delivered a speech while attending the Arab-China summit.

In a related context, the Iranian Oil Minister, Javad Awji, announced on Wednesday, that Tehran and Beijing, during the visit of the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister to Iran, signed a number of agreements on the joint development of oil and gas fields.

"During Hu's visit, good agreements and memorandums were concluded with China on joint development of oil and gas fields," Oji said.

In April of last year, Iran and China signed a document on the comprehensive cooperation plan between the two countries for a period of 25 years.

China is trying to mend relations with Iran after It president signed a GCC countries Statement that contained reference to Iranian islands being part of UAE

China is trying to mend relations with Iran after It president signed a GCC countries Statement that contained reference to Iranian islands being part of UAE

    Monday, December 12, 2022   No comments

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Monday emphasized that China and Iran enjoy traditional friendship. 

“China and Iran jointly decided to cement and grow a comprehensive strategic partnership. China stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with Iran to make new progress in bilateral relations. The two sides have signed a plan for China-Iran comprehensive cooperation, which started implementation early this year. China will work with Iran for the sound and steady growth of practical cooperation.” He noted in the statement.

The comments are in response to a question over whether China will not neglect its relations with Iran by developing relations with GCC countries.

During the recently held China-GCC Summit, a joint statement by China and the GCC was issued and a 2023-2027 action plan for strategic dialogue between China and the GCC was adopted.

Iran objected to parts of the statement that suggested that three islands now part of Iran should be returned to UAE through talks. In a strongly worded statement followed by the summoning of Chinese diplomat in Tehran, the Iranian foreign minister made it clear that Iran is prepared to reduce its ties with China should the latter adopt statements that question the territorial integrity of the Iran.  "in all frankness and transparency, Iran will not flatter anyone regarding its territorial integrity."

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua’s visit to Iran starts on Monday, which China believes will play a positive role in deepening China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said. 

China and Iran have a traditional friendship, and the consolidation and development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership are the common choices of both sides, Wang pointed out. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to push forward new progress in bilateral relations.

Full text of Xi Jinping's keynote speech at China-Arab States Summit

Full text of Xi Jinping's keynote speech at China-Arab States Summit

    Sunday, December 11, 2022   No comments

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech here Friday at the first China-Arab States Summit. The following is the full text of the speech:

_________

Carrying Forward the Spirit of China-Arab Friendship and Jointly Building a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future in the New Era

Riyadh, 9 December 2022

Distinguished Colleagues,

Friends,

Good afternoon!

At the outset, I wish to thank Saudi Arabia for the warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangement. I am very pleased to join you for the first China-Arab States Summit. The Summit is a milestone in the history of China-Arab relations, and will take us to a more promising future of friendship and cooperation.

China and Arab states enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. We have come to know and befriend each other through the ancient Silk Road. We have shared weal and woe in our respective struggles for national liberation. We have conducted win-win cooperation in the tide of economic globalization. And we have upheld fairness and justice in the changing international environment. Together, China and Arab states have nurtured the spirit of friendship featuring "solidarity and mutual assistance, equality and mutual benefit, and inclusiveness and mutual learning."

Solidarity and mutual assistance is a distinct feature of China-Arab friendship. We trust each other, and have forged a brotherly friendship. We firmly support each other on issues involving our respective core interests. We work hand in hand and make progress together to realize the dream of national rejuvenation. We brave wind and storms together in fighting the COVID pandemic. The China-Arab future-oriented strategic partnership of comprehensive cooperation and common development is unbreakable.

Equality and mutual benefit is a constant driver for our friendship. China and Arab states have set an example for South-South cooperation in pursuing mutually beneficial collaboration. The two sides have established 17 cooperation mechanisms under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. Over the past decade, our trade has grown by 100 billion U.S. dollars, with the total volume exceeding 300 billion dollars; China's direct investment in Arab states was up by 2.6 times, with the stock of investment reaching 23 billion dollars; over 200 Belt and Road projects have been carried out, benefiting nearly two billion people of the two sides.

Inclusiveness and mutual learning is a key value inherent in our friendship. We appreciate each other's civilizations, and have written a splendid history of mutual learning. We keep drawing wisdom from each other's time-honored civilizations, and jointly promote "peace, harmony, integrity, and truth", the very essence of civilization. We stay true to our principles despite the clamour for "clash of civilizations", advocate together inter-civilizational dialogue, oppose discrimination against particular civilizations, and endeavor to safeguard the diversity of world civilizations.

Colleagues,

Friends,

The world today is in a new period of turbulence and transformation. The Middle East is undergoing new and profound changes. The aspiration of the Arab people for peace and development is much more compelling, and their call for equity and justice is stronger than ever. As strategic partners, China and Arab states should carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and foster a closer China-Arab community with a shared future, so as to deliver greater benefits to our peoples and advance the cause of human progress.

- We should stay independent and defend our common interests. China supports Arab states in independently exploring development paths suited to their national conditions and holding their future firmly in their own hands. China is ready to deepen strategic mutual trust with Arab states, and firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. Our two sides should jointly uphold the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, practice true multilateralism, and defend the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

- We should focus on economic development and promote win-win cooperation. We should strengthen synergy between our development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We should consolidate cooperation in traditional areas including economy and trade, energy and infrastructure development. In the meantime, we should strengthen new sources of growth such as green and low-carbon development, health and medical services, and investment and finance, and expand new frontiers including aviation and aerospace, digital economy and peaceful use of nuclear energy. We should also tackle major challenges like food security and energy security. China will work with the Arab side to implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and drive sustainable development of South-South cooperation.

- We should uphold regional peace and strive for common security. China supports the Arab side in promoting political settlement of hotspot and challenging issues with Arab wisdom, and build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture in the Middle East. China urges the international community to respect the role of the Middle East people as masters of their own affairs, and add positive energy to the security and stability of the region. China welcomes the Arab side to participate in the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and will continue to contribute Chinese wisdom to promoting peace and tranquility in the Middle East.

- We should increase exchanges among civilizations to enhance mutual understanding and trust. We need to increase personnel exchange, deepen people-to-people cooperation, and promote the exchange of governance experience. We need to jointly oppose Islamophobia, carry out cooperation on deradicalization, and reject association of terrorism with any particular ethnic group or religion. We need to advocate humanity's common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, and set an example of inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning in the new era.

We are pleased to see the decision by the Summit to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era and to formulate the Outline of the Comprehensive Cooperation Plan Between China and Arab States, laying out the blueprint for future China-Arab relations. As the first follow-up step of that decision, China will, in the next three to five years, work with the Arab side to advance eight major cooperation initiatives in areas including development support, food security, public health, green innovation, energy security, inter-civilizational dialogue, youth development, and security and stability. China has briefed the Arab side on the details of the eight initiatives, and will work with the Arab side to promote their early implementation and strive for early harvest.

Colleagues,

Friends,

The Palestinian issue bears on peace and stability in the Middle East. The historical injustices done to the Palestinian people should not be left unattended indefinitely. The legitimate rights and interests of a nation are not up for trade, and the demand to establish an independent state shall not be denied. The international community should stay firm in its commitment to the two-state solution and the principle of "land for peace", make resolute efforts to promote peace talks, provide more humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine, and strive for a just settlement of the Palestinian issue at an early date. Recently, through the efforts of Arab states, important progress has been made in Intra-Palestinian reconciliation. China welcomes these developments. I would like to reiterate that China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 border and with East Jerusalem as its capital. China supports Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations, and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine, support livelihood projects in the country, and increase donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Colleagues,

Friends,

Recently, the Communist Party of China successfully convened its 20th National Congress. The Congress laid out the tasks and path of advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, and provided a blueprint for China's future development. China will stay committed to upholding world peace, promoting common development, and building a community with a shared future for mankind. China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace and upholding international fairness and justice. China is committed to promoting friendship and cooperation with other countries based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and will work to deepen and expand global partnerships. Acting on a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, China will continue to promote high-standard opening up and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. By doing so, we wish to create new opportunities for Arab states and all other countries with China's new development.

Colleagues,

Friends,

A great cause begins with a dream and turns into reality through hard work. Let us carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, jointly build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, and usher in an even brighter future for our relations.

Thank you!  

___________

Translation provided by Xinhua

______________________________________________________

In related news; the Chinese president signed the GCC statement which included a reference to Iranina islands UAE wants to annex. Iranian foreign minister issued immediately a statement saying "in all frankness and transparency, Iran will not flatter anyone regarding its territorial integrity." His office then summoned the Chinese ambassador to Tehran, during which Iran expressed its "strong dissatisfaction and protested against China's involvement in the issue of Iran's territorial integrity."

Responding to this objection, China will be sending the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister for a visit to Iran this week perhaps to address what Iran sees as "mistake made by the Chinese president in Riyadh."

Qatari Minister to the West: LGBT people can visit our country but don't try to change our beliefs

Qatari Minister to the West: LGBT people can visit our country but don't try to change our beliefs

    Wednesday, November 30, 2022   No comments

The Minister of State for Energy Affairs in Qatar, Saad Al-Kaabi, told the German newspaper “Bild” that members of the LGBT community can go to Qatar to watch the World Cup soccer matches, but the West cannot “dictate” to Qataris what they should believe.

Relations between Qatar and Germany have been troubled recently.

The German Minister of the Interior, Nancy Weser, put the “One Love” badge that supports gays in the match that her country played against Japan last week, and criticized the human rights record in Qatar, but this week Germany concluded a deal to import liquefied natural gas from

In his statements, which were published by the German newspaper "Bild" today, the Qatari minister said about the LGBT community: "If they want to visit Qatar, we have no problem with that."

But he said the West wants to "dictate what it wants" to Qatar, which considers same-sex relations illegal.

He added, "If you want to change me so that I say that I believe in the LGBT community and that my family should be gay and that I accept homosexuality in my country and change my laws and Islamic teachings in order to please the West, then this is unacceptable."

The Kremlin: Russian-American talks took place in Ankara at the request of Washington

The Kremlin: Russian-American talks took place in Ankara at the request of Washington

    Monday, November 14, 2022   No comments

Today, Monday, the official spokesman for the Russian presidency, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russian-American negotiations were taking place in Ankara today, at the initiative of the American side, stressing that their content had not been revealed.

And Turkish media indicated that the director of Russian foreign intelligence, Sergei Naryshkin, held a meeting with the director of the CIA, William Burns, in Ankara regarding the use of nuclear weapons.

Burns told the head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service a message about "the consequences of Russia's use of nuclear weapons, and the risk of escalation for strategic stability," according to the White House National Security Council.

The same source stated that Burns "does not conduct any kind of negotiations, nor does he discuss a settlement for the war in Ukraine," indicating that the Ukrainians were informed in advance of the meeting.

The meeting between Burns and Naryshkin is one of the rare meetings at this level between the two countries since the start of the Russian military operation. Washington and Moscow maintained "communication channels" between them, especially through the US embassy in the Russian capital, to discuss bilateral issues and exchange messages about developments in Ukraine, despite the escalating tension between them.

A few days ago, the American Wall Street Journal reported that US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held secret talks with senior aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko denied, earlier, that his country had previously held negotiations with the United States regarding Ukraine, commenting that "Kyiv has adopted a law that prevents it from conducting peaceful negotiations with Moscow."

Reuters agency: The head of the Turkish intelligence service held several meetings with his Syrian counterpart in Damascus during the past few weeks

Reuters agency: The head of the Turkish intelligence service held several meetings with his Syrian counterpart in Damascus during the past few weeks

    Thursday, September 15, 2022   No comments

Regional sources "close to Damascus" told the agency that the head of the Turkish intelligence service, Hakan Fidan, and the head of the Syrian National Security Service, Ali Mamlouk, met this week in the Syrian capital.

During the meetings, Fidan and Mamlouk assessed the possibility of the two countries' foreign ministers meeting, according to a senior Turkish official and a Turkish security source.

"Russia wants Syria and Turkey to overcome their problems and reach certain agreements that are in the interest of everyone, Turkey and Syria alike," the Turkish official said.

One of the big challenges, the official added, is Turkey's desire to include the Syrian opposition in any talks with Damascus.

The Turkish security official noted that Russia has gradually withdrawn some military resources from Syria to focus on Ukraine, and asked Turkey to normalize relations with Damascus to "accelerate the political solution" in Syria.

He pointed out that "Ankara does not want to see Iranian or Iranian-backed forces fill the gaps left by the Russian withdrawals."

The source close to Damascus said that Russia had urged Syria to enter into talks, adding that recent meetings, including Fidan's two-day visit to Damascus last August, sought to pave the way for higher-level sessions.

He added that the Turkish-Syrian contacts had made a lot of progress, without going into details.

A third regional source allied with Damascus said that "Turkish-Syrian relations have begun to improve and progress to the stage of creating an atmosphere of understanding."

Two former US diplomats: Nearly 90 Percent of the World Isn't Following Us on Ukraine

Two former US diplomats: Nearly 90 Percent of the World Isn't Following Us on Ukraine

    Thursday, September 15, 2022   No comments

Echoing a more nuanced, academic analysis that predicted the outcome of Russia's Military Operation in Ukraine, two former US diplomats concluded that the majority of the world population is not falling in line with the West on this issue.

Our familiar system of global political and economic alliances is shifting, and nothing has made this change clearer than the varied reactions to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While the United States and its closest allies in Europe and Asia have imposed tough economic sanctions on Moscow, 87 percent of the world's population has declined to follow us. Economic sanctions have united our adversaries in shared resistance. Less predictably, the outbreak of Cold War II, has also led countries that were once partners or non-aligned to become increasingly multi-aligned.

   

 

Lavrov receives Hamas delegation headed by Ismail Haniyeh

Lavrov receives Hamas delegation headed by Ismail Haniyeh

    Monday, September 12, 2022   No comments

Today, Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with a delegation of the Hamas movement headed by the head of the Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh.

"On September 12, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, received the head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, who is in Moscow at the head of the movement's delegation," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement pointed out that "the talks focused on the developments in the Middle East, especially the Palestinian problem."

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow stressed "the importance of speeding up the restoration of Palestinian national unity on the political platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the need to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the United Nations General Assembly and the Arab Peace Initiative."

On Saturday, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian "Hamas" movement, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, accompanied by a delegation from the movement's leadership.

In a press statement, Taher al-Nono, media advisor to Hamas leader, said that Haniyeh "has arrived in Moscow on a visit during which he intends to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and a number of Russian leaders and officials."

This visit comes after a high-level delegation from the "Hamas" movement, headed by the head of the International Relations Office, Musa Abu Marzouk, visited Moscow last May, aimed at holding talks with Russian officials on a number of important files related to the developments of the Palestinian cause.

Moscow criticized the position of Western countries in dealing with the recent Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, noting at the time that "the West is very concerned about the situation in Ukraine... while it is indifferently watching the Israelis kill the Palestinians and destroy the Gaza Strip," describing the matter as a continuation of the "Western propaganda machine."

Macron: Dialogue with Russia must continue; Iran: Iran: A senior European president asked Iran's president, Raisi, to mediate in the Ukrainian crisis

Macron: Dialogue with Russia must continue; Iran: Iran: A senior European president asked Iran's president, Raisi, to mediate in the Ukrainian crisis

    Thursday, September 01, 2022   No comments

 Macron: Dialogue with Russia must continue

French President Emmanuel Macron called today for the continuation of dialogue with Russia, stressing that "we must assume that we can always continue talking with everyone", especially "with whom we do not agree."

"Who wants Turkey to be the only power in the world that continues to talk to Russia?" Macron asked in front of the French ambassadors meeting at the Elysee Palace.

He continued, "We should not give in to any form of wrong morale that may make us helpless," stressing that "the diplomat's profession is to talk to everyone, especially people with whom we do not agree."

He added, "We will continue to do this ... in coordination with our allies," recalling that "the division of Europe" is "one of the objectives of Russia's war."

The French president is one of the few European leaders who spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia's military operation in Ukraine on February 24, in a strategy that has been criticized.

The last phone call between the French president and his Russian counterpart dates back to August 19, during which they discussed the situation at the Zaporizhia nuclear plant and the organization of a visit by a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency to the facility.

For his part, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played the role of mediator between Moscow and Kiev at the beginning of the war. An agreement was reached between Moscow and Kiev in July in Istanbul, under the auspices of Ankara and the United Nations, to export Ukrainian grain from the ports bordering the Black Sea.

Iran: A senior European president asked Iran's president, Raisi, to mediate in the Ukrainian crisis

The Iranian President's Assistant for Political Affairs, Mohammad Jamshidi, revealed that "one of the senior presidents of Western Europe asked Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to help mediate a solution to the war crisis in Europe."

And he said in a tweet on Twitter, "After assessing the matter, an initiative was developed that the Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, would bring to Moscow with an important message."

For its part, the Iranian news agency ISNA revealed that "the Western president who asked Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to mediate a solution to the war crisis in Europe is French President Emmanuel Macron."

It is noteworthy that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian is visiting Moscow today to hold consultations with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

Before leaving Iran, Amir Abdollahian said, "Western parties want Iran to play an active role in resolving the Ukrainian crisis."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talks about the upcoming convening of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum, and points out that "the Russian military operation in Ukraine continues"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talks about the upcoming convening of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum, and points out that "the Russian military operation in Ukraine continues"

    Sunday, July 24, 2022   No comments

Today, Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Russian military operation in Ukraine is "continuing", noting that the door to negotiations is also "open to the Ukrainian side."

"The Russian operation in Ukraine will continue and we have not closed the door to negotiations," Lavrov said, during a speech before the League of Arab States, during his visit to Cairo, adding that the Russian side "presented draft proposals regarding negotiations to the Ukrainian government, but did not receive a response."

Lavrov stressed that "the Ukrainian regime is carrying out operations to bomb hospitals and civilian infrastructure," stressing that Russian forces "secure corridors across the Black Sea for the passage of grain ships, but Ukraine fails to do so due to the spread of mines."

On relations with the League of Arab States, the Russian Foreign Minister indicated that there is a proposal being discussed with the League of Arab States aimed at "identifying additional plans to strengthen joint relations."

He continued, "We agreed with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Aboul Gheit, to define additional plans to strengthen relations between the two sides in various fields," adding that "we plan to hold the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum soon, in its sixth session, after it was held 5 times."

Lavrov: The Arab position on the crisis in Ukraine is balanced and the West ignores our concerns

 

Lavrov praised the moderate position of the Arab countries towards the course of the Ukrainian crisis, stressing that Russia is open to dialogue with the Arab world and with all countries of the world.

The Russian Foreign Minister stressed that Russian-Arab relations are based on friendship and cordiality.

Lavrov also explained the reasons that prompted Moscow to start the military operation in Ukraine, explaining: "We had legitimate concerns about our security, and our concerns about NATO expansion and Ukraine's acquisition of a lot of Western weapons were ignored."

He continued: "The Minsk Agreement was violated, Kyiv bombed areas rejecting it with artillery, while the European Union completely failed to fulfill its commitments."

Lavrov pointed out that the Kyiv regime deliberately banned the Russian language in eastern Ukraine, spread racism, anti-Russianism and support for Nazism, recalling that "the West obstructed the negotiation process", stressing at the same time that Russia does not close the door to negotiations with Ukraine.

He pointed out that the Europeans considered that NATO had the right to dominate and do as it pleased, stressing that Moscow "rejects this policy, as the NATO countries cannot maintain their security by threatening the security of another country."

Regarding the grain transport crisis, the Russian minister commented, "The Russian forces have secured passages across the Black Sea for the passage of grain ships, but Ukraine has failed in this because of its deployment of mines in the waters of the ports on the Black Sea."

   

Lavrov: Moscow Not Asking to Lift Sanctions, But West Must Resolve Self-Created Food Supply Issues

 

Earlier today, Lavrov said that "Egypt and Russia have basic agreements on a number of regional and global issues," adding: "We discussed the situation in Libya and the need to support the UN mission."

The Russian Foreign Minister called on Ukraine to remove the mines it planted in the ports, and said that "the West seeks to export Ukraine's wheat and ignores Russia's."

For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed the importance of reaching a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis, noting that the crisis "affected Egypt" with regard to food security.

Tamim bin Hamad in Tehran: Foreign intervention in West Asia is rejected

Tamim bin Hamad in Tehran: Foreign intervention in West Asia is rejected

    Thursday, May 12, 2022   No comments

 The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed today with the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, bilateral relations and regional and international issues.

A statement by the Qatari Emiri Diwan said that during the meeting, they reviewed the existing friendly relations between the two countries and discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Earlier today, the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi discussed bilateral relations in the fields of politics, economy and trade, and enhancing prospects for cooperation in the tourism, investment, transport and communications sectors.

In a press conference between Raisi and the Emir of Qatar, the former expressed his rejection of any form of foreign presence in the West Asian region, especially by Western powers.

"Such foreign presence does not bring security to the region, but on the contrary undermines it," he said, noting that "the leaders, officials and governments of the countries in the region should realize that any interference by foreign countries and representatives of the West harms regional security."

Regarding the Yemen file, Raisi said: "We affirm that the siege of Yemen must end and Yemenis must be given the opportunity to decide the fate of their country on their own."

According to Raisi, the situation in Afghanistan was also discussed with the Emir of Qatar, noting “the need for an inclusive government there, representing all ethnic groups and political movements, in order to ensure sustainable security in this country.”

According to the Iranian president, the visit of the Emir of Qatar will be a turning point in the relations between the two countries and will play an important role in developing regional and international cooperation.

For his part, the Emir of Qatar stressed that "the current problems in the region must be resolved through constructive dialogue," announcing the simplification of visa procedures for Iranian viewers interested in attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Iranian president visited Doha last February, in light of the historical relations between the two countries, in contrast to Tehran's "strained" relations with some Gulf capitals.

At that time, the two countries signed 14 cooperation documents in the fields of aviation, trade, maritime, media, foreign policy, energy, metrology, culture and education.

Lavrov in Algiers to thank "the Algerian brothers for their position on the Russian operation in Donbass"

Lavrov in Algiers to thank "the Algerian brothers for their position on the Russian operation in Donbass"

    Tuesday, May 10, 2022   No comments

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, revealed today, Tuesday, that during his visit to Algeria, he discussed the development of military-technical cooperation, expressing his appreciation for the position of the Algerian brothers towards the Russian military operation in Donbass.

Lavrov said that "a meeting of the joint intergovernmental committee of Russia and Algeria on economic cooperation is scheduled in Algeria within the next few months," stressing that "Russia is with Algeria in the interest of the principle of state sovereignty, a principle that is ignored by the United States and its allies."

Lavrov announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin "hopes to hold a personal meeting with the Algerian president," and invites him to visit Russia.

Lavrov noted that Russia considers the position of the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, regarding freezing Russian assets, as "theft," stressing that "the European Union no longer has an independent foreign policy, and is completely in solidarity with the policy of the United States."

Lavrov stressed that "Russia will work diligently to prevent the establishment of a unipolar world and the destruction of the foundations of the United Nations." He also valued the "unified Arab position within the framework of the Arab League," stressing that it was "balanced and objective towards developments in Ukraine."

As for the economic aspect, Lavrov said, "There is $3 billion in the volume of exchange (with Algeria), and we have broader prospects than that, especially with great interest from Russian companies (in this regard)," noting that he discussed with the Algerians international files and issues It relates to coordination in international forums, the framework of "OPEC Plus" and the gas-exporting countries.

"We are ready to offer more scholarships to Algerian students," he added.

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Algeria, where he was received by Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra. Lavrov announced that "Russia and Algeria intend to sign an agreement that reflects the new quality of bilateral relations between the two countries."