Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday the first-ever Russia-Arab summit, scheduled for October 15, 2025, and invited all leaders of member states and the secretary-general of the Arab League, Russian news agencies reported, citing a Kremlin statement.
"I am convinced that this meeting will contribute to strengthening mutually beneficial and multifaceted cooperation between our countries and will help find ways to ensure peace, security and stability in the Middle East and North Africa," Putin said, according to the Interfax news agency.
This summit symbolizes Moscow's growing ambition to play a central role in regional diplomacy and strengthen its relations with the Arab world, amid heightened geopolitical rivalries. The Arab League, which brings together 22 countries from the Middle East and North Africa, is a potential strategic partner for Russia, both economically and militarily.
The announcement comes just days after a four-day visit by the US president Donald Trump in the Gulf region. During this trip, Washington announced several major agreements, including a commitment of $600 billion in Saudi investments in the United States, $142 billion in arms sales to Riyadh, and a strategic partnership in artificial intelligence with the United Arab Emirates.
As the United States strengthens its economic and technological footprint in the region, Russia appears to be seeking to consolidate its diplomatic and security influence through multilateral dialogue mechanisms. This October summit should provide Moscow with a platform to assert its vision of a multipolar regional order, particularly in the face of Washington's policies in the Middle East.
No information has yet been released regarding the exact location of the summit or the agenda of discussions.
