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Russia to play active role in Mideast peace process

MUSCAT — Russia has stepped up its involvement in Middle East peace efforts as the country is gearing up to host a conference to discuss the peace process during the first half of this year.

This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who arrived here on Tuesday on his first visit to the Sultanate of Oman. He held talks with Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs, and senior government officials to further develop the existing relations between the two countries. Talking to the media on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs premises here yesterday, Lavrov said relations between Russia and Oman have stood the test of time for about 25 years and have acquired an important dimension that it will grow stronger in the coming years.

The minister said that his country was taking many steps to increase its economic engagements with Oman. Several economic and investment agreements have been signed by the two countries and according to Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah a slew of new agreements will be signed in the coming months.

Lavrov said that the question how to expand cooperation between Russia and Oman in the field of energy, technology and culture figured prominently in his talks with the Omani officials.

“Russia and Oman can play an important role to support the dialogue between different cultures to strengthen the culture and principles of tolerance. Russia’s consolidation has become a catalyst for positive changes,” he added.

“Russia is open to constructive dialogue and equitable cooperation with all states. There is a book in Russia which talks about the religious tolerance and exemplifies Russia and Oman as epitome of tolerant societies,” Lavrov said.

The Russian minister praised the role played by the Egyptian government to find a mutual formula for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians.

It may be recalled that Sergey Mironov, chairman of the Federal Council of Russia, visited Oman recently.