Strengthening the Image as a Middle East Peace Mediator
Managing Middle East Diplomacy Amid Falling International Oil Prices
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who visited Moscow, Russia, on the 7th (local time). The two leaders strongly criticized the United States and the West's support for Israel, saying it has led to a massacre in the Gaza Strip, and demonstrated the friendship between their countries. Amid increasing volatility in international oil prices, President Putin is significantly expanding his Middle East diplomatic efforts, having met with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the previous day, followed by talks with the Iranian president.
According to Russia's TASS news agency, during the meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, President Raisi strongly criticized, saying, "What is happening in Palestine and Gaza is a genocide and a crime against humanity," and added, "It is regrettable that the United States and the West are supporting these crimes." President Putin responded, "It is very important for us to discuss the situation in the Middle East, especially the situation in Palestine."
The two leaders reiterated the friendship between their countries, which are under Western sanctions, and emphasized peace in the Middle East once again. Both countries claim the role of mediators in the Middle East and have particularly criticized Israel, the United States, and the West regarding the recent clashes between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas.
Earlier, President Putin actively engaged in Middle East diplomacy by visiting the UAE and Saudi Arabia in succession. As volatility in international oil prices began to increase, he discussed cooperation on oil production with Middle Eastern oil-producing countries and strengthened cooperation on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
President Putin is also reportedly planning to visit Iran soon. His most recent visit to Iran was in July last year. At that time, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, criticized the West and expressed support for Russia's special military operation in Ukraine during talks with President Putin.
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