Al-Moallem, Bogdanov discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations in topics of mutual concern

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem discussed with the Russian President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov means of enhancing bilateral relations in topics of mutual concern.

During the meeting, al-Moallem and Bogdanov reviewed the outcomes of meetings held by the Russian side with countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council with focusing on the need for joint efforts to implement the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin on establishing a regional coalition to combat terrorism, based on a commitment by neighboring countries to apply the UN Security Council’s relevant resolutions.

 Bogdanov later spoke about Putin’s initiative, saying it is welcomed by all parties “as they all know that their common enemy is terrorism and ISIS and the other terrorist organizations, like al-Qaeda”, SANA reported.

“Everybody perceives and understands the Russian logic, and therefore we have to form a wide front with the participation of every one that on the basis of the international principles and the UN Charter and the recognition of the sovereignty of states on their territories in the region and with coordination with the legitimate governments in Syria and Iraq,” Bogdanov added.

He noted that for this initiative to pass, more contacts and understandings are needed, which could be through exchanging information, coordinating the stances and officially and administratively integrated steps.