Lavrov Calls for Inclusive Gulf Security at Strategic Dialogue

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this statement during a ministerial meeting of the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) format, according to a correspondent of 'Vedomosti'.

Consensus

The ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia–Strategic Dialogue with the Gulf Cooperation Council (SSAGPZ) took place in Manama, Bahrain on October 18, 2026.
Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered remarks at the meeting.
Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have maintained regular high-level contacts and active cooperation.
Economic cooperation between Russia and the GCC countries has grown significantly, with a 45% increase in trade turnover in 2025.
The participants discussed regional security issues, including the situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Yemen.
Russia supports diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts and emphasizes the importance of inclusive security frameworks.
The meeting included a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Bahrain and the Secretary-General of the GCC.
Russia expressed appreciation for the GCC's balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict.

Points of divergence

Lavrov stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to reach agreements because it would end his regime. — vesti
Lavrov emphasized the importance of the Islamabad Memorandum for de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and called for its revival. — interfax
The participants discussed Resolution 2817 adopted by the UN Security Council in March 2026 regarding escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. — interfax
Lavrov proposed a new concept of collective security for the Persian Gulf region, aimed at enabling direct dialogue among coastal states and their neighbors. — vedomosti
Russia suggested involving non-regional actors such as the Arab League, OIC, and UN Security Council permanent members to support the security process. — vedomosti
The Bahraini Foreign Minister noted the need for closer political cooperation and mentioned Iran's attacks on GCC countries as a concern. — interfax
The Bahraini Foreign Minister highlighted threats to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, and their impact on energy and food security. — interfax
The Bahraini Foreign Minister stated that the sides agreed to cooperate within OPEC+ to stabilize international energy markets. — interfax

Coverage (9 sources)

"Furore in the Middle East": why Lavrov's visit is being discussed worldwide — Вести
Opening statement by Russian Foreign Minister S.V.Lavrov at the ninth ministerial meeting of the Strategic Dialogue... — МИД России
Lavrov expressed gratitude to Gulf Cooperation Council countries for their position on Ukraine — Вести
Russia advocates for the creation of an inclusive security architecture in the Persian Gulf region — Интерфакс
Lavrov stated that Moscow is grateful to Gulf countries for their balanced position on Ukraine — Интерфакс
Lavrov proposed discussing the concept of collective security of the Persian Gulf — Ведомости
Foreign Ministers of Russia and Kuwait Marked the Need for Swift De-escalation of Tensions in the Persian Gulf — Интерфакс
Lavrov stated that countries of the Persian Gulf should have the decisive word in the question of regional security — Интерфакс
Lavrov announced discussion with the 'Arab Six' on the Gulf crisis and cooperation — Интерфакс

Lavrov Calls for Inclusive Gulf Security at Strategic Dialogue

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (9 sources)

Key entities

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