Объединенные Арабские Эмираты
Visit to UAE of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov
Unofficial translation from Russian
PRESS RELEASE
Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, stayed on a return working visit to the United Arab Emirates on February 14-16. During his sojourn he had a meeting with Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. There were talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al Nahyan.
During the conversations a thorough exchange of views took place on pressing international and regional problems of mutual concern.
In examining the Middle East situation, the sides underscored the necessity to overcome the current state of stagnation in Arab-Israeli settlement and resume the negotiation process on all tracks. Lavrov noted that an optimal mechanism for achieving this aim would be the convening of an international conference which would open the way for advancement towards an enduring peace on a comprehensive basis with effective international follow-up.
The sides welcomed the accords reached in Mecca on February 8 between leading Palestinian organizations Fatah and Hamas on the creation of a national unity government which could act as a consolidated partner in the dialogue with Israel.
The sides discussed the ever more deteriorating situation in Iraq, fraught with the disintegration of the country. In this connection they spoke for stepping up international efforts in the interest of ending violence and stabilizing the situation through carrying out real steps for overcoming the interfaith polarization, achieving national reconciliation and consensus and working out a well-considered schedule for the termination of the mission of the Multinational Force.
The sides examined the problem of ensuring security in the Persian Gulf zone as well as the situation evolving over Iran's nuclear program. A firm belief was expressed that it should be tackled by politico-diplomatic means, including the use of the channel of talks with the Six.
A broad spectrum of Russian-Emirates cooperation was examined substantively. The sides reaffirmed their consistent disposition to deepen further the political dialogue and engagement at different levels, and strengthen bilateral ties in the trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural and other fields.
February 16, 2007