US officials to the New York Times: Ukraine most likely carried out the attack on the Kremlin carracterized by Moscow as an assassination attempt

US officials to the New York Times: Ukraine most likely carried out the attack on the Kremlin carracterized by Moscow as an assassination attempt

    Wednesday, May 24, 2023   No comments

That attack that was characterized by Moscow as an assassination attempt to kill Putin is  was likely carried out by Ukraine occirding to US officials who spoke to New York Times.

On Wednesday, The New York Times quoted US officials as saying that the Ukrainians were "most likely" to have carried out the attack that took place with rallies on the Russian presidential building (the Kremlin) on May 3.

The officials said that US intelligence reached its initial assessment through intercepted communications, and that the attack was likely orchestrated by one of Ukraine's special military or intelligence units.

They also indicated that it was not clear if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or his senior officials knew about the operation prior to its launch.

It is noteworthy that Russia had accused the United States of being behind the attack on the Kremlin, noting that it had several options for a measured and balanced response to the attack.

Russian officials also demanded the liquidation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in response to the attack.

Kiev has denied any involvement in the attack on the Kremlin, accusing Moscow of deliberately highlighting it in the media to justify any possible escalation of the conflict inside Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that efforts by Kiev and Washington to deny any responsibility for the attack on the Kremlin are completely absurd, and that decisions regarding such attacks are not taken in Ukraine, but in Washington, and Kiev implements what is asked of it.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed that there is no doubt that the Kiev regime was behind the attack, noting that the actions of the Kiev regime - which it described as "criminal" - confirm its unwillingness to settle the ongoing conflict through political and diplomatic means, threatening those responsible for the attacks with strict and inevitable punishment.

ISR Weekly Review Bulletin for May 23, 2023

ISR Weekly Review Bulletin for May 23, 2023

    Wednesday, May 24, 2023   No comments

To keep our readers informed about the most consequential events in this fast changing world, ISR researchers cull through current events news, so you don’t have to.

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Essays of the Month:

Riyadh to Washington delegates: You arrived late!

19/05/2023ISR--Research TeamLeave A CommentOn Riyadh To Washington Delegates: You Arrived Late!

by Mohamad Kawas * Summary: During the past weeks, the United States has pushed its envoys to Saudi Arabia in a way that is almost shameful in the eyes of any American observer. It seemed that the United States was seeking to appease the Kingdom. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham visited the Kingdom in April. The Read more

Iran, Indonesia Agree on Mutual Settlements in National Currencies

Iran, Indonesia Agree on Mutual Settlements in National Currencies

    Wednesday, May 24, 2023   No comments

Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi said on Tuesday that Tehran and Jakarta have agreed to strengthen and expand economic relations and start trading in their national currencies in a bid to end the US dollar monopoly.

Rayeesi made the remarks in a joint press conference with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Iran's president, who is on an official visit to Indonesia at the head of a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, stated that Tehran and Jakarta have set a goal to promote the value of their trade to $20 billion.

He stressed that the both sides are resolute on promoting exchanges using national currencies in order to set aside the US dollar.

Several countries have stressed that they no longer have trust in the US currency because it has become an unreliable financial instrument.

The Iranian chief executive added that the signing of different documents for bilateral cooperation in various sectors reaffirms both sides' will to develop relations in all fields.

In the presence of Raeisi and Widodo, senior officials of Iran and Indonesia signed 11 documents to boost cooperation in preferential trade, cancellation of visas, cultural exchanges, supervision over the pharmaceutical products, science and technology as well as oil and gas.

MP Geert Wilders: "The Netherlands is no longer the Netherlands"

MP Geert Wilders: "The Netherlands is no longer the Netherlands"

    Tuesday, May 23, 2023   No comments

Dutch Member of Parliament and far-right politician Geert Wilders ridiculed what he said was the increase in Muslims in the Netherlands, and added that watching them perform prayers in the streets of the Netherlands expresses the stripping of the Netherlands of its identity.

Ukraine Official: Security of the entire Middle East region cannot be resolved without the complete de-occupation of Crimea

Ukraine Official: Security of the entire Middle East region cannot be resolved without the complete de-occupation of Crimea

    Tuesday, May 23, 2023   No comments

A cryptic statement linking Ukraine to the security of the Middle East, was made by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Danilov. Here it is:

“The issue of the security of the entire Middle East region... cannot be resolved without the complete de-occupation of Crimea."

 

UK’s Special Forces have been deployed operationally in at least 19 countries since 2011, including the Muslim-majority countries of Algeria, Iran, Oman, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen

UK’s Special Forces have been deployed operationally in at least 19 countries since 2011, including the Muslim-majority countries of Algeria, Iran, Oman, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen

    Tuesday, May 23, 2023   No comments

Mapping of national and international credible newspapers, undertaken by research charity Action on Armed Violence, shows that, since 2011,  UK Special Forces (UKSF) have been primed to contact or surveil hostile forces in Algeria, Estonia, France, Iran/Oman (Strait of Hormuz), Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mediterranean (Cyprus), Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.

There are a further six sites where UKSF have trained foreign forces or where they have based themselves before launching into another country. These are: Burkina Faso, Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Djibouti. There are also another seven locations, not included in the above lists, known to be used by UKSF for their own exercises and engagements. These are: Albania, Falklands, Gibraltar, Belize, Brunei, Malaysia, and Canada, although there are likely to be far more.

In addition, the UKSF operate in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These four countries are not included.

If all countries where the UK SF were reported operational (including training and in the UK itself) were added together, there would be 36 nations where such troops have been sent.

Reported UK Special Forces (UKSF) missions in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman and Libya demonstrate that British soldiers are regularly sent to engage in international conflicts without any parliamentary approval around UK involvement beforehand.

In the case of Syria, parliament explicitly voted against sending in troops in 2013. Yet there have been dozens of UKSF missions reported in the press in the past decade.

A decade of operations around the globe has thrown up some controversies.

German investigators: Ukraine blew up Nord Stream pipelines

German investigators: Ukraine blew up Nord Stream pipelines

    Tuesday, May 23, 2023   No comments

German investigators are sceptical of claims that Russian naval ships sabotaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines and are instead pursuing leads that point to the Ukrainian authorities, according to a report.

Three of the four strands of the pipelines, built to transport Russian gas to Germany on the bed of the Baltic Sea, were knocked out by underwater explosions last September, effectively severing the main energy link between the two countries.

Previously, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh blamed the US administration for the bombing of the Russian Nord Stream gas pipeline, which took place last September.

Earlier this year, the UNSC, which literally stands for the United Nations Security Council, and whose mission “is to maintain international peace and security;” failed to adopt a resolution that “would have established an international independent investigative commission into the September 2022 “acts of sabotage” committed on the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea.”

Thereafter, the US administration released its own report claiming that a pro-Ukraine group was behind the attack on the pipeline, a statement that was ridiculed by China, with Chinese official posting a reaction to the statement saying, "Is the [pro-Ukraine group] named Biden Administration?"

Ali Akbar Ahmadian, new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran

Ali Akbar Ahmadian, new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran

    Monday, May 22, 2023   No comments

The man who signed the China-sponsored diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and Saudi Arabia, but who also was close to the Iranian spy who worked for the British security agency is now out of Iran's national security council. As his resignation indicates, it is not clear if Admiral Ali Shamkhani legacy will be determined by the outcome of Saudi-Iranian deal or by the security lapse that resulted in the assassination of Iranian scientists and nuclear secrets exposures.

Comparing economic indicators for countries associated with BRICS and the G7

Comparing economic indicators for countries associated with BRICS and the G7

    Saturday, May 20, 2023   No comments

Economic data showed that "the BRICS economy has surpassed that of the Group of Seven."

The data indicated that "the Group of Seven, 30 years ago, was 2.5 times larger than the BRICS group, in terms of gross domestic product," while now, "the BRICS have surpassed the former colonial powers that make up the Group of Seven."

Economic analysts pointed out that this data may "answer what these powers are trying to stop, namely China, because it constitutes the largest part of the BRICS economy," as China is equivalent in terms of gross domestic product in US dollars to 6 countries from the Group of Seven.

In other words, China's GDP is equal to that of Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada combined.

In other interesting data on the share of international powers in global GDP since 1980, the third chart below shows that the United States has been on its share since 1980: no loss, no gain.

The data also shows that developing countries are also unchanged, while Europe, the Organization for Co-operation and Development and developed countries, except for the United States, are the biggest losers. As for China, its share has grown tenfold, to become the biggest gainer.

Earlier, Joseph W. Sullivan, senior advisor to the "Lindsey Group" and economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, that "the BRICS currency could shake the dominance of the dollar, and the moment of de-dollarization may have arrived." finally".

In his interview with the American newspaper "Foreign Policy", Sullivan added that in New Delhi, Alexander Babakov, deputy speaker of the Russian State Duma, said that "Russia is now leading the development of a new currency, which will be used for cross-border trade by the" BRICS "Brazil, Russia, India and China." and South Africa".

And based on the economy, at least, the prospects for the success of the currency issued by the “BRICS” group are contained, according to “Force Policy”, and although many practical questions remain unanswered, such a currency could expel the US dollar as a reserve currency for its members. "BRICS", and shook the position of the dollar from its throne.

Naldi Pandor, South African Foreign Minister, has said that the creation of a new BRICS currency will be a major item on the agenda of the upcoming "BRICS" summit, in Johannesburg on August 22.

Countries that have applied to join the BRICS:

At the moment, BRICS consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Applications to join came from:

— Algiers,

— Argentina,

— Afghanistan,

— Bangladesh,

— Bahrain,

— Belarus,

— Venezuela,

— Egypt,

— Zimbabwe,

— Indonesia,

— Iran,

— Kazakhstan,

— Mexico,

— Nigeria,

— Nicaragua,

— UAE,

— Pakistan,

— Saudi Arabia,

— Senegal,

— Syria,

— Sudan,

— Thailand,

— Tunisia,

— Türkiye, and

— Uruguay.

*****

 Monetary Fund and the World Bank

Currently, the “BRICS” group occupies an important position in the global scene, as its member states enjoy increasing economic power and international influence. The group enhances cooperation and trade exchange between its member states, and seeks to increase its voice and influence in global affairs.

  The BRICS group is facing challenges in promoting economic and political cooperation among member states, but it is a strong alternative to the traditional global economic system.

According to the latest widespread data, the economic assessment indicates the superiority of the “BRICS” group over the Group of Seven, as the group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and these member states are emerging economic powers that play a vital role in the global economy. The seven are from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union.

It is known that the “BRICS” group is witnessing continuous expansion, as Bangladesh, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have joined the New Development Bank of the “BRICS” group, and there are several other countries preparing to join as well. This shift confirms the growth of the strength and influence of the “BRICS” group in the global arena, and may pose a challenge to the Group of Seven in the future.

And indications have emerged portending important developments about the future of the “BRICS”, which is the possibility of Mexico joining it, which constitutes a large part of the North American trade bloc (CUSMA). The United States to fair and equal trade competition with global economies on the American frontier.

Currently, the five BRICS countries contribute about 31.5% of global GDP, while the share of the Group of Seven countries drops to 30%. The BRICS countries are expected to exceed 50% of global GDP by 2030, and the proposed expansion will strongly advance this goal.

Previously, 30 years ago, the G7 was 2.5 times larger than the BRICS countries in terms of GDP. However, current data indicates that the BRICS countries have outperformed the former colonial powers of the Group of Seven.

Indeed, China's GDP surpassed that of the United States in 2015 when the economies were compared against a purchasing parity benchmark.

On the other hand, the interests of the BRICS countries are not only limited to trade, but are also rooted in the political belief that the world should be multipolar.

The BRICS group encourages the idea of a global system that includes several political and economic poles, in which its interests are better guaranteed through a balance of power and a multiplicity of partners, rather than a unipolar system in which the United States dominates.

And in 2021, the BRICS countries played an effective role in strengthening and reforming the global multilateral system, as they adopted a joint statement aimed at strengthening and reforming the global system.

  Among the aspects called for in this statement was the need to reform the current Security Council system in the United Nations to be more representative and in line with current global realities. The statement also dealt with many other issues of common concern to the BRICS countries.

According to economic data, China is particularly outperforming in its GDP. China's GDP is equal to a group of countries in the Group of Seven, including Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada.

These data reflect the remarkable economic success of the “BRICS” countries, and indicate that China has a major role in achieving this success thanks to the large size of its economy within the BRICS group. China's strong economy enhances the position of the BRICS" as a powerful group and its influence on the global economy is increasing significantly.

However, it should be noted that China's economic supremacy does not necessarily mean that it has completely surpassed the G7 in all economic and political aspects. The Group of Seven still maintains its influence and its important role in international relations and world trade.

China's trade value with three of the four potential BRICS countries exceeds 100 billion US dollars, and its sales reach 416 billion US dollars. Indeed, China's trade alone accounts for more than 90% of the BRICS countries' total trade value in dollar terms. This is attributed to China's economic dominance and its impressive rate of growth.

According to the Chinese government, foreign trade between China and BRICS countries registered a year-on-year growth of 12.1% in the first five months of this year, amounting to about 195.71 billion US dollars. This rate is 3.8 percentage points higher than China's overall growth rate in foreign trade over the same period.

Russia also plays an important and active role inside and outside the BRICS group, with a turnover of about $164 billion. This can be explained by the fact that the BRICS countries are a group that is highly dependent on energy, as their population constitutes more than 40% of the world's population. Thus, net power exporters have a strong position. Russia's strength is based in particular as an energy producer for the "BRICS" countries.

As for India, its trade has recorded a value of 142 billion US dollars among the “BRICS” countries. India enjoys a more balanced trade outcome among the member states, trading equally with all members except China and South Africa, and especially for members with a large Indian diaspora.

And Brazil, it is noticeable that its intra-trade is directed towards Asia, especially China and India, instead of trade with Africa or Russia. This shift may indicate the importance of Asia in Brazil's economic relations and reflects the important role played by China in particular. This means that Asia is an important market for Brazilian products, and may also reflect the shift in Brazil's economic and trade orientation towards emerging markets and the rising economic powers of Asia.

It is noted that there is active trade between South Africa and other "BRICS" countries. Although the South African economy is considered the smallest in size among the “BRICS” partners, trade between India, South Africa, China and South Africa exceeds the trade between India and Russia or Russia and Brazil, and this indicates the existence of important economic relations between South Africa and the rest of the “BRICS” partners . This strong direction of trade reflects South Africa's preference to strengthen relations with the "BRICS" countries and take advantage of the trade and investment opportunities available in these countries.

Ultimately, according to Joseph W. Sullivan, former economist in the administration of US President Donald Trump, the creation of a new BRICS currency is a threat to the dominance of the US dollar and may contribute to the transformation of the world order. He also referred to Russia's efforts to develop a new currency that will be used for trade between the BRICS countries, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

It is believed that the creation of a new BRICS currency may challenge the US dollar as a reserve currency and may shake its position as a strong global currency. This topic is expected to be part of the agenda of the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg. This step may reflect the desire of some countries to achieve independence and abandon the heavy dependence on the US dollar in international trade and financial relations.

In conclusion, the BRICS countries are superior to the Group of Seven in many important economic indicators. This superiority raises questions about the transformation of economic and geopolitical power in the world? Are we about to see massive shifts in the global economic system? Will the hegemony of traditional Western countries recede and emerging countries will regain their global status?

These results may open the door to questions about the future of reserve currencies and the role of the US dollar as a strong global currency. Could a new BRICS currency emerge that would challenge and shake the US dollar? Will the system of global economic relations be radically modified?

These exciting developments call us to carefully follow the developments of the global economy and monitor the shifts in economic forces.

Arab League Summit Welcomes Syrian President Back and receives statements from Russia and China

Arab League Summit Welcomes Syrian President Back and receives statements from Russia and China

    Saturday, May 20, 2023   No comments

The work of the 32nd regular session of the Arab Summit took place in the Saudi city of Jeddah, Friday, in the presence of a number of Arab leaders and leaders.

Arab leaders and heads of delegations participating in the summit took a group photo before the start of the opening session.

Likewise, the Syrian "SANA" agency reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad shook hands with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, before entering the summit hall, and that was followed by a side conversation between them.

After 13 years of absence, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad returned today, Friday, to participate in the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In turn, the Algerian Prime Minister, Ayman bin Abdel Rahman, welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League. Abdel Rahman renewed his full solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling on "the international community to stop the systematic attacks against it."

He expressed the détente of Arab relations with Turkey and Iran, calling on the international community to put an end to the Israeli settlement policy.

Abdul Rahman added, "There are indications of the emergence of a new multipolar world order at the expense of the unipolar one."

He pointed out that "the role of the Arab League must be activated and the reform process in the Arab League must be accelerated."

After the speech of the Algerian Prime Minister, Ayman bin Abdel Rahman, Algeria handed Saudi Arabia the presidency of the thirty-second Arab summit.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, "We are pleased with the presence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Arab summit."

Bin Salman hoped that Syria's return to the Arab League would contribute to achieving stability in it and resolving its crisis.

On Sudan, Ibn Salman hoped that the language of dialogue would prevail between the Sudanese parties.

And he added, "The Palestinian issue was and still is the central issue of the Arabs."

The Jeddah Summit is an opportunity to restore Arab issues

For his part, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, welcomed the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Aboul Gheit pointed out that "the Jeddah Summit is an opportunity to restore Arab issues that were left to others a long time ago."

The Jordanian king welcomes the return of Syria

Jordan's King Abdullah II said, "The Palestinian issue remains the center of our attention, and peace cannot be achieved with the continued construction of settlements."

Jordan's King Abdullah II repeatedly warned against the continuation of the Syrian crisis without reaching a solution, welcoming Syria's return to the university as a first step to resolving the crisis.

Al-Sisi calls for a solution to the Sudanese crisis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said, "Relying on our own capabilities to resolve important issues has become necessary."

Al-Sisi added, "Egypt is continuing its efforts to stabilize the truce in Gaza."

He added, "If the Sudanese crisis is not resolved, it will have a negative impact on the region."

Al-Sisi indicated that "Syria's return to the Arab League is a step to activate the role of the League."

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani welcomed "Arab efforts to crystallize an Arab regional system."

For his part, the representative of the African Union at the Arab Summit said, "The solution in Sudan will not be military."

"The adventure of violence in Sudan threatens the entire region with fragmentation," he added.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Amin Hussein Taha, looked forward to intensifying cooperation between the Organization and the Arab League in many fields.

Saeid: Together, we have the potential to achieve what we want

In a speech during the Arab summit, Tunisian President Kais Said said that the brothers in Palestine are still offering daily martyrs for the sake of liberation from the Zionist occupation in light of the suspicious silence of many capitals.

Saeed refused that the Arab countries would "once again be victims of a new world order," stressing, "We do not participate in its establishment and arrangement."

The Tunisian president refused that his country be "in an alliance against another."

He welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League after thwarting the plot aimed at fragmenting it, pointing out that "we collectively have the capabilities that enable us to achieve what we want, as we are advocates of freedom, peace and peace for the entire nation."

The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, called for international protection for the Palestinian people.

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, welcomed the return of Syria to the League of Arab States, calling for an end to the events in Sudan.

The Crown Prince of Kuwait affirms the preservation of the unity and sovereignty of Syria

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad said that he feels "optimism about the signs of détente in the region, including the understanding between Saudi Arabia and Iran," reiterating his support for the decision of the Arab League Council and the statement issued in the Jeddah and Amman meetings.

The Crown Prince of Kuwait affirmed his country's position calling for preserving the unity and sovereignty of Syria, adding: "We affirm our firm and supportive position for the rights of our Palestinian people, and we call on the international community to work to reach a comprehensive and just solution."

Al-Sudani called for holding the 2025 Arab Summit in Baghdad, the "Dar of Peace"

In a speech during the Arab summit in Jeddah, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani welcomed Syria's return to its normal place, stressing "the importance of joint Arab action to contain differences."

Al-Sudani hoped the success of the efforts to stop the fighting in Sudan and stabilize the situation in Libya, Yemen and Lebanon.

He also welcomed the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, noting that Iraq supported this step and worked on it to serve prosperity in the region.

The Iraqi President announced that Iraq will host the 2023 Baghdad Conference, for economic integration and regional stability, and the Development Road Conference, with the aim of strengthening ties.

Al-Sudani called for the 2025 Arab summit to be held in Baghdad, "the house of peace."

Mikati: The crisis of the displaced is greater than Lebanon's ability to bear

For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati praised Syria's return to the Arab summit, and said, "Let me call this summit the 'Healing Wounds Summit'."

Mikati pointed out, during a speech, that "the prolongation of the crisis in Lebanon and the increasing number of displaced people makes the crisis of the displaced greater than Lebanon's capacity to bear," stressing that the return of the displaced cannot be achieved if "the Arab efforts are not concerted in cooperation with the international community."

Sultanate of Oman: The success of this summit is achieved through the reunification of the Arab nation

The head of the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman, Asaad bin Tariq, confirmed that the success of this summit was achieved through the reunion of the Arab nation, welcoming the resumption of "the activity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic in this summit."

Benn added that the Sultanate of Oman believes that "the inability of the international community to find a settlement for the suffering of the Palestinian people is the source of tensions in the region and the world."

Russia sends a statement to the Arab League's leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia's interest in developing friendly relations with Arab countries, in order to effectively face emerging threats and challenges.

Putin said, in a telegram of greetings he sent to the participants in the Arab summit held today, Friday, in Jeddah, and the text of which was published on the Kremlin website, that Russia traditionally attaches "great importance to developing friendly relations and constructive partnership cooperation with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa," in a statement. The framework of "Dialogue with the League of Arab States, in order to respond effectively to emerging threats and challenges facing humanity."

The Russian president indicated that his country is determined to continue supporting collective efforts for the peaceful resolution of acute regional issues, including "the crises in Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Syria, with unwavering respect for state sovereignty and the existing provisions of international law."

He stressed that Moscow will continue to provide "every possible assistance in order to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the approaches stipulated in the relevant United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, whose owner, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is hosting the current summit of the League of Arab States."

Putin said that continuing to expand multifaceted cooperation between Russia and the Arab countries "fully meets our common interests, and is in line with building a more just and democratic system of international relations, based on the principles of multipolarity, true equality and respect for the legitimate interests of all."

Xi congratulates the Arabs: The Jeddah summit is a new step on the road to unity and achievement

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country is happy to witness the Arab countries taking new steps on the path of unity and self-development with new achievements, in a congratulatory message from him on the occasion of the launch of the 32nd Arab Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday. ‏

"The Arab League has long been committed to strengthening the Arab world through unity and promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East," Xi added, according to the Chinese newspaper "Global Times".

The Chinese president also expressed his appreciation to Saudi Arabia, saying that "as an important power in a multipolar world, it has made positive contributions to strengthening solidarity and coordination among Arab countries, and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East."

He also added, "China and the Arab countries have enjoyed a strong traditional friendship for thousands of years, and in recent years, the strategic partnership between the two sides has grown and achieved fruitful results, setting a good example of South-South cooperation and mutual benefit."