Russia values development of ties with MENA: Putin tells Arab League

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said, on Friday, Russia attaches considerable importance to the expansion of friendly ties with the states of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

In a video address to the Arab League summit, Putin said, "Russia traditionally attaches great importance to the development of friendly relations with the states of the Middle East and North Africa, and constructive partnership, including within the framework of dialogue with the Arab League, to effectively deal with the threats and challenges faced by modern humanity." 

The Russian leader stressed that Moscow "will continue to provide all possible assistance to the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on approaches provided for by relevant UN decisions, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative." 

He also expressed his willingness to support efforts to solve conflicts in Sudan, Libya, and Yemen.

Earlier today, the 32nd Arab League summit kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 22 member states, five observer countries, and their respective heads of state and government are attending the pan-Arab summit.

Throughout the afternoon, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greeted dignitaries at the commencement of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah.

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was among the first to arrive for the meetings, and he was greeted by the Saudi Crown Prince before shaking hands and posing for a photo.

This summit marks the return to the Arab League of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad after his country emerged victorious against the international war against it.

Read next: Al-Assad: Syria beating heart of Arab Identity, lies at Arabism Core

Zelensky attends Arab Summit, blames some Arab countries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the summit, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman expressed his readiness to mediate in the war.

"We reaffirm the kingdom's readiness to continue mediating efforts between Russia and Ukraine, and to support all international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis politically in a way that contributes to achieving security," MBS had said in his opening speech.

In his English address, Zelensky seemed to be blaming some Arab nations for refusing to join the Western-led campaign against Russia.

"Unfortunately, there are some in the world and here among you who turn a blind eye to those [prisoner of war] cages and illegal annexations," the Ukrainian President said, about the accession of new regions to the Russian Federation as a result of referenda.

"I'm here so that everyone can take an honest look, no matter how hard the Russians try to influence, there must still be independence," he added.

During Zelensky's speech at the summit, the Syrian delegation, headed by President Bashar Al-Assad, refrained from using translation headphones.