Moscow interested in political dialogue with Gulf Cooperation Council states - Lavrov
UNITED NATIONS. Sept 21 (Interfax) - Russia is interested in developing political dialogue and trade relations with member countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with foreign ministers from GCC member countries.
Moscow wishes to maintain political dialogue with countries of the region, Lavrov said.
"We believe we can reconcile our positions on a number of issues and can improve the situation in the region, which has suffered enough from instability, through joint efforts," Lavrov said.
Another item on the agenda is "deeper economic and trade cooperation," the Russian foreign minister said. "We have a great variety of projects, including joint investment platforms," Lavrov said.
"We value this communication format," he said.
In turn, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said that the GCC countries "wished to develop closer interaction with the Russian Federation."
"We are ready to discuss cooperation with your countries in the fields of security and trade," he said.