OREANDA-NEWS. February 19, 2010. Alexander Saltanov, Russia's Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister, received on February 17 a delegation of the Secretariat General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) led by Abdelaziz Al-Uwaisheq, the Director General of the GCC Secretariat’s General Administration for International Economic Relations. On the same day a detailed consultation was held with the delegation at the Foreign Ministry premises.

The talks confirmed that the parties shared a mutual intent to build up constructive interaction between Russia and the GCC in various fields. There was emphasized the striving to further reinforce dialogue and cooperation by Russia with the GCC in the interests of a political settlement to conflict situations in the Middle East, including, first and foremost, the establishment of a comprehensive just and enduring peace in the region. The parties spoke for reinforcing stability in the Gulf area by activating the ideas set out in Russia’s blueprint for securing the sub-region. They noted the importance of finding a politico-diplomatic solution to the problem of Iran’s nuclear program.

Special attention was devoted to themes of expanding economic, trade and investment ties between Russia and GCC members on a bilateral and multilateral basis. The parties outlined key areas of growth in cooperation, such as the fuel and energy sector, nuclear energy, outer space, infrastructure, transport, agriculture and public health.

The parties spoke for improving coordination between Russia and the GCC on major global problems, including energy security, the formation of the new world financial architecture, the global climate situation and others.

They confirmed the agreement to continue regular political consultations between Russia and the GCC.