Afrasianet - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani agreed in a phone call to postpone the Russian-Arab summit, the Kremlin announced on Thursday.
"Given the active phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to return to normal in the Gaza Strip, Vladimir Putin and Mohammed al-Sudani agreed that it will be difficult for many leaders of Arab countries invited to come to Moscow in person under these circumstances," the Kremlin said in a statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during which they discussed the first Russian-Arab summit, where they agreed to postpone the summit to a later date.
The Kremlin confirmed that the Russian and Iraqi sides will convey information regarding the postponement of the Russian-Arab summit to the capitals of Arab countries through diplomatic channels.
The Kremlin explained that Putin agreed with the Iraqi prime minister that it would be more appropriate to postpone the summit until later, given that many of the invited Arab leaders would find it difficult for them to come to Moscow in person in light of the active phase of the implementation of US President Donald Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip.
The Kremlin added that the date of the Russian-Arab summit will be agreed at a later date.
The summit, which was supposed to be held on October 15, is the culmination of a remarkable development in the course of Russian-Arab relations, which have witnessed significant progress at various political, economic and cultural levels in recent years.
The summit is expected to discuss a number of regional and international files of common interest, in addition to discussing ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment and security .
Arab-Russian meeting at the Arab League in preparation for the summit between Putin and Arab leaders in Moscow
In this context, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States held a joint meeting of senior officials from Arab countries and Russia to prepare for the first Russian-Arab summit scheduled to be held in Moscow on October 15.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Alexander Kinchak, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the League of Arab States, Dr. Qahtan Taha Khalaf (Iraq holds the presidency of the current session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level), and in the presence of Ambassador Khaled Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Head of the International Political Affairs Sector.
The meeting came to discuss the arrangements for the first Arab-Russian summit scheduled in Moscow at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the seventh session of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum at the ministerial level.
The meeting focused on discussing the summit arrangements and agreeing on the final versions of the outcome documents, including the "Final Statement" and the "Action Plan for the Implementation of the Principles and Objectives of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum for the period 2026-2028", which aim to strengthen partnerships in the economic, cultural and political fields.
The Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States for Political and International Affairs stressed the importance of holding the first Arab-Russian summit "in view of the weight of Russia's role as a major power and its positions in support of many Arab issues in international organizations.
Manzalawi stressed the importance of the summit as an opportunity to consolidate relations with Russia as a major power that supports Arab issues in international forums, such as its support for the Palestinian cause, amid global geopolitical transformations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for the summit on May 17, 2025, inviting Arab leaders and Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit to strengthen the strategic partnership, especially in energy, trade (which amounted to $16 billion last year), and joint investments.
The Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum, which was launched in 2013, comes in the context of historical ties dating back to the Soviet Union, with a focus on addressing challenges such as Western sanctions on Russia and regional issues (Gaza, Ukraine), and strengthening cooperation in the fields of energy and food security.
Gulf Voices: Putin Presents an Alternative Not a Guardianship and the Russian-Arab Summit is a Moment of Geopolitical Transformation
A number of media professionals and political experts from the Gulf Arab states believe that the upcoming first Russian-Arab summit represents a pivotal moment in the reshaping of regional and international alliances.
They agree that the summit comes in a complex geopolitical context, which is witnessing the escalation of crises – especially in Gaza – and the continued repercussions of the Ukraine war, in addition to the decline in confidence in the Western role and its dual positions on Arab issues.
With its pragmatic approach based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference, Russia has become an attractive partner for Arab states that, under clear Saudi leadership, seek to diversify their alliances and strengthen their margins for political maneuvering. Gulf analyses suggest that the summit is not a passing diplomatic event, but rather an institutional step toward a broader strategic partnership in the fields of energy, security, investment, technology, and perhaps international mediation, at a time when both sides are looking for balanced alternatives in a multipolar world.
Nawal Al-Jabr, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Riyadh Newspaper
Ever since President Vladimir Putin has aggressively re-introduced Russia into the Middle East equations, it has become clear that his approach is based on capitalizing on major shifts in the international system, presenting Moscow as a partner that does not seek to impose a tutelage as much as it seeks to balance power and expand the margins of maneuver for other countries. In this context, the first Russian-Arab summit in Moscow on October 15 represents a testing moment for this approach, and an opportunity for Arabs from an entrepreneurial position to establish a more institutionalized relationship with Russia.
The expectations from the summit are not limited to the energy files through OPEC+, or food security and sea lanes, but extend to a comprehensive approach to regional issues, from Syria, Yemen and Libya, to Palestine, which remains the compass for any real stability. What distinguishes this summit is that the Arabs enter it with a common vision led by the Kingdom, which gives the dialogue with Moscow a strategic dimension that goes beyond the current moment to formulate a long-term framework that puts the two parties in the position of an active partner in reshaping international balances.
Dr. Mohammed bin Awad Al-Mashaikhi (Omani academic and writer):
There is no doubt that the Arab-Russian summit comes in exceptional circumstances for the Arabs, especially the issue of Palestine and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, which the United States of America stands against the international consensus; it is time for the Arabs to turn east to Russia and China as an alternative to Western abandonment; the Arabs need support and protection from new allies other than the Western countries that sell the so-called security, which is an illusion and aims primarily to drain Gulf funds.. and the Russian-Ukrainian war has entered A new phase of danger, as all expectations point to NATO's intervention in this war against Russia, so Russia needs Arab support, especially the leaders of the GCC countries who have personal ties with Russian leader Putin.
It seems to me that this historic summit will have important results for the Arab peoples as well as for Russia in several fields, including the economic, security and defense, and perhaps at the forefront of this is the maintenance of oil prices through OPEC Plus.
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Abdul Rahim Mahboob, Professor of Political and Economic Geography at um Al-Qura University in Makkah Formerly:
The Russian-Arab summit called by Russia will be held on October 15, 2025, in light of regional and international dynamics, especially the complexities in the Gaza war, and the repercussions of that summit on Trump's initiative to stop the war in Gaza, an initiative that emerged from the meeting of the US president with a number of Arab and Muslim leaders, and Saudi Arabia was represented in this meeting by His Highness the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The meeting with Trump followed the Saudi-French-led New York conference, which succeeded in rallying 80 percent of countries to agree to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state to end the conflict in the Middle East.
Therefore, the importance of the Russian-Arab summit comes after the Alaska summit between Putin and Trump, while the Russian war in Ukraine is still ongoing due to the position of the Europeans who adhere to continuing to impose sanctions on Moscow. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, since the Biden presidency, has refused to participate in those sanctions on Russia, as Moscow is a member of the OPEC+ organization.
Therefore, the Arab position maintained good relations with Russia to strengthen its negotiating position with the United States, and expanded its political maneuver, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE brokered deals for a prisoner exchange with Ukraine, in addition to Riyadh's hosting in February 2025 the first round of negotiations between Washington and Moscow to restore trust between the two sides, which preceded the Alaska summit between the two leaders.
Russia is aware that the geopolitical return from the Russian-Arab summit will be modest in these circumstances, but it establishes a closer phase of cooperation.
The summit is based on the existence of strong Saudi-Russian relations of a strategic nature that go beyond economic interests to promote joint political dialogue, especially since Russia's foreign policy towards the Palestinian issue is steady, and the Russian-Arab summit is an opportunity to explore new horizons of cooperation in several fields, most notably renewable and conventional energy in a region that is witnessing fierce competition with other major powers such as the United States Moscow would like to reformulate its regional presence by strengthening bilateral relations with Arab countries, especially as Russia has close relations with Arab countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Mauritania, and others, in addition to close relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the latest of which was the eighth ministerial meeting of the Gulf Strategic Dialogue, which was held in Sochi on September 11, 2025.
Noura Al-Fayhani - Writer and Economist (Bahrain):
The first Russian-Arab summit will be held on October 15 at a pivotal moment, and we see President Putin's approach to the Gulf region as a balanced and wise policy, based on respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in the fields of security, energy, and investment.
Russian-Gulf relations are witnessing a steady development beyond economic cooperation to strategic partnership. This includes the fields of tourism and cultural and technical exchange, which enhances opportunities for economic diversification and attracting quality investments.
We look forward to the upcoming summit to strengthen this trend, develop a common vision to address pressing regional issues, and open new horizons for multilateral cooperation that contributes to stability and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.
Writer and Journalist / Abdulmut Mubarak Al-Badrani - Saudi Arabia:
The first Russian-Arab summit, to be held in Moscow, is of exceptional importance as it represents the culmination of a long path of development in relations between Russia and the Arab states, specifically the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This event is not just a passing encounter, but rather a sign of profound shifts in the global geopolitical map.
President Vladimir Putin's approach to the Persian Gulf region can be described as "balanced pragmatism" based on mutual interests and diversity of partnerships. Moscow seeks to establish itself as an indispensable superpower in the Middle East equations, and the OPEC Plus partnership with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states is a clear example of strategic coordination aimed at stabilizing global oil markets.
Russia is also seeking to fill the voids left by traditional powers (such as the United States), especially in the areas of trade, investment, and military and technical cooperation, taking advantage of the Gulf states' desire to diversify their security and economic alliances.
Recently ,Russian-Gulf relations have witnessed a qualitative breakthrough over the past two decades, after a period of coolness and tension in the Soviet era.
Relations have shifted from historical apprehension to confidence-building through high-level mutual visits, such as President Putin's visit to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the signing of major agreements in the fields of investment, energy, and technology.
And its partnership on energy issues: Cooperation under the framework of OPEC Plus is a model of strategic success, as Moscow and Riyadh have demonstrated a superior ability to lead the market and coordinate production, serving the interests of both parties.
The summit is being held in a complex regional and international context, enhancing the chances of achieving tangible results, especially for the Gulf states, which are the backbone of the Arab delegation.
Rashid Al-Ghaib, Editorial Secretary and Head of the Department of Local and Political Affairs and Digital Content at the Bahraini newspaper Al-Bilad:
From a Bahraini journalistic perspective, President Vladimir Putin's approach to the Gulf region is arguably characterized by openness to multidisciplinary cooperation, thereby enhancing regional security and stability.
Russian-Gulf relations have witnessed remarkable development over the past decade, and it is enough to recall the visits of the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Russia in recent years, which constituted a turning point in the course of the Bahraini-Russian partnership through the signing of important economic and cultural agreements.
The upcoming Russian-Gulf summit represents an opportunity to expand this momentum, and we expect it to result in new mechanisms for cooperation in the fields of energy and investment, in order to serve the interests of both Russia and the Gulf countries.
Dr. Issa Mohammed Al-Amiri (Kuwaiti writer)
On October 15, 2025, the first Russian-Arab summit will be held in Moscow under the auspices of President Vladimir Putin, and all the heads of state of the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States have been invited to participate.
Since the summit was announced, it has been noted that the main objective is to "promote multifaceted cooperation and mutual benefit" between Russia and Arab countries, and contribute to peace and stability in the MENA region.
This is what Putin's approach towards Arab countries represents. According to Putin, in his Arab policy, he has adopted a convergent approach, which seeks to expand Moscow's trade in the oil and gas region, and to remain completely neutral in regional disputes, with a focus on economic and security partnerships.
This approach shows a desire to break the diplomatic blockade imposed by Western countries on Russia and attract the Gulf states as new allies without having to take sides in major conflicts. Coordination within frameworks such as OPEC+ also gives Russia an active role among oil-producing countries, and encourages Arab countries to align production policies to stabilize oil prices.
Moscow is also seeking to capitalize on its relations with some other Arab countries that have refused to fully engage in Western sanctions, providing Putin with opportunities to open new financial and investment channels, and offer alternatives to cooperation with a U.S.-led Western axis.
On the other hand, in recent years, the relationship between Russia and the Arab states has undergone a remarkable transformation. The UAE, Qatar, and Oman have made official visits to Moscow, and signed some joint investment agreements, to name a few, especially in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and technology.
The majority of the Gulf states have also not imposed sanctions on Russia, which has provided a platform for cooperation in international crises, as well as the role of some Arab Gulf states in mediating between Moscow and parties to the Ukraine conflict.
As for the Syrian file, Moscow recently met with officials from the new Syrian government, and Damascus was invited to attend the summit, as part of the rearrangement of relations and the reevaluation of previous agreements. Russia will also be able to strengthen its economic presence in the Arab world by opening new markets for its industrial, military and technological products.
Second, Moscow will strengthen its political position as an international mediator to be relied upon on regional issues, especially in the Middle East's raging conflicts. Third, the Gulf states have an opportunity to diversify their trade and investment partners away from the West, and to provide alternatives in security, defense, and energy.
The summit could also lead to unified positions on key Arab issues such as Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, and may support efforts to launch joint development projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, and logistical linkages between Russia and Arab states. Overall, the summit is expected to contribute to reshaping the map of alliances in the Middle East, and give Russia and representatives of Arab states additional cards in international negotiations.
Putin: We hope that Israel will implement the Trump agreement with Gaza in practice and we have received signals from Israel about its commitment to a peace settlement
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the initiative presented by US President Donald Trump on the situation in the Gaza Strip has been positively accepted in the Arab and Muslim world in general.
This came during his speech at the "Russia-Central Asia" summit, where Putin expressed Russia's "great hope" that "these initiatives will be implemented in practice on the ground."
The Russian president noted that the search for options to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip is "in full swing," "in light of the humanitarian tragedy" in the Strip.
Putin also revealed that Russia has received signals that "Israel intends and is determined to move forward with the settlement and is not interested in any form of confrontation."
He stressed that Russia is not only following the situation in Gaza closely, but is also "trying with its partners in the Middle East to contribute to this settlement."