(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The Second Arab-Russian Forum held in Khartoum on Wednesday underlined the necessity of peacefully settling all issues of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Russia and Arab world share a unified view on the necessity of developing favorable conditions to enable peoples of the region to build their countries and develop them in line with their traditions, as well as economic and social history, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference after the event was concluded.
This is the view upon which discussions of events in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Iraq were based he added in the conference with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Karti and Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al-Arabi.
Lavrov urged the international community to intensify efforts to enable the Palestinian people have their right in a legitimate independent state, warning that the lack of a settlement in the Middle East has destabilized the region, and delayed peace.
The one-day Forum discussed implementation of the work plan approved by the two sides last year, in over the coming three years, he said. It was also agreed that Russia will host the Third Forum next year.
For his part, the Sudanese Foreign Minister emphasized Russia's support to the Arab peoples in all their historical issues.
However, Karty regretted that trade ties between some Arab countries and Russia are still below expectations.
Meanwhile, Karti said the Arab ministers attending the Forum welcomed an initiative by Sudanese President Omar Al-Bahsir for realizing peace in Darfur. They also expressed concern over the continuity of international sanctions on Sudan.
Addressing the conference, Arab League Chief Al-Arabi appreciated Moscow's support to the Palestinian people's right to establish their own state with East Jerusalem a capital.
"It is nothing but normal then, that Arabs have headed for Russia, launching joint forum to discuss bilateral political and trade topics," Al-Arabi said.
He also expressed hope for harder efforts to cement partnership and boost trade with Mosocw till the Third Forum.
According to Al-Arabi, the Khartoum's Forum offered a good chance for the Arab countries and Russia to discuss regional issues, especially developments in the Sudan and Al-Bashir's initiative.
During today's Forum Lavrov proposed that an Arab League representative should join the Quartet on the Middle East (US, Russia, EU and UN), which is likely to end the stalemate in the process.
"We hear criticism to the Quartet and it is true since it is no more operating," Lavrov said, noting that Moscow is seeking to stir the four-entity group.
He voiced hope that the other three members would accept his proposal.
Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah represented the country in the Second Forum and addressed the opening session.
Sudan's First Vice President Bakri Hassan Saleh had addressed the event.
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