Russia offers the Middle East something the West cannot

Despite historical ties with the US, the Gulf countries are building multi-faceted relationships with partners such as Russia and China

Pragmatic economic partnership and a shared desire for political autonomy form a strong foundation for cooperation between Moscow and an influential group of Middle Eastern powers. 

Russia is actively strengthening relations with partners beyond the West, with a particular focus on Persian Gulf countries. Despite their historical ties to the US, these nations have refrained from participating in anti-Russian actions, highlighting their pragmatic approach to international politics. Amid global challenges, Gulf states view Russia as a strategic partner capable of contributing to regional stability and security. This multilateral approach allows them to balance their interests while maintaining independence from external influence.

A significant step in reinforcing these ties was the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh on September 8. Given the current international tensions, these meetings play a crucial role in expanding interactions, benefiting both sides. 

The primary objective of Lavrov’s visit was to attend a joint ministerial summit as part of the Strategic Dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This event took place during the 161st session of the GCC, attended by Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. In addition to the main agenda, separate meetings were held with representatives from Russia, Brazil, and India. Prior to the summit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations, outline future cooperation, and review the implementation of agreements made during their July meeting in Moscow.

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The central theme of the summit was the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Qatar’s foreign minister, Mohammed Al Thani, who chaired the meeting, noted that the efforts by Qatar and its partners have yet to yield the desired results. The Gulf states expressed hope for international support to achieve a ceasefire. In this context, there is potential for expanded cooperation between Russia and the Gulf nations. Both Qatar and Saudi Arabia emphasized their hope for Russia’s active role in resolving the Gaza conflict and addressing issues related to shipping in the Red Sea. Lavrov affirmed that Russia is working with various parties to help stabilize the situation.

The discussions during Lavrov’s meetings also touched on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. The Gulf countries expressed a strong desire to resume negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable political solution and mitigating the humanitarian impact. They stressed the importance of finding a compromise that considers the interests of all parties involved.

In response, Lavrov stated that Moscow is open to negotiations, but highlighted the West’s reluctance to engage in fair discussions. He criticized the ultimatum-like nature of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s ‘peace formula’, which calls for the restoration of Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” and the withdrawal of Russian troops. Lavrov stressed that negotiations are only possible if a realistic agenda is agreed upon, rather than focusing on territorial concessions. 

What makes the GCC remarkable?

The GCC brings together six nations: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. These countries play a pivotal role in the global economy and politics, acting as key exporters of oil and gas, while also being hubs for world-class technological and infrastructural projects. Established in 1981, the GCC’s primary goal was to strengthen political and economic cooperation among member states. Initially, the GCC was formed as a countermeasure to instability caused by the Iran-Iraq War and the Iranian Revolution, and to ensure collective security against regional threats. The council aimed to consolidate efforts to address shared challenges and resist external pressure.

One of the defining characteristics of the GCC is its unique economic model, built on vast reserves of oil and natural gas. Collectively, the member states control around 40% of the world’s oil reserves and over 20% of its natural gas reserves. This immense resource base gives Gulf countries substantial influence on the global economy. The GCC members’ contribution to the world economy accounts for approximately 4% of global GDP, with a significant portion of their income derived from hydrocarbon exports, making these nations critical players in the global energy market. 

The economic integration of GCC countries has steadily progressed since the council’s inception. In 2003, a customs union was introduced, simplifying trade within the region, and in 2010, steps were taken towards creating a monetary union. Although the adoption of a unified currency remains a contentious issue, the GCC has become the largest economic bloc in the Middle East. By 2023, the collective GDP of the member countries reached about $2 trillion, solidifying their standing on the global economic stage.

The political influence of the GCC is also growing on the international scene. The Gulf states play a crucial role in mediating negotiations across the Middle East and are actively involved in resolving conflicts such as the Syrian crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. The council maintains a neutral stance in most global conflicts, allowing it to serve as a mediator between different parties. For instance, Qatar’s involvement in diplomatic talks regarding Afghanistan and Iran underscores the importance of GCC countries in international diplomacy. 

GCC nations are increasingly strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties with global powers like the US, China, Russia, and the European Union. The GCC has become a key platform for multilateral dialogue and economic collaboration, as well as a foundation for alliances aimed at addressing global challenges. In the shifting global order, Gulf countries are expanding their horizons, developing multilateral relationships, and actively engaging with new partners outside the Western bloc.

On the world stage, the GCC is increasingly emerging as a unified economic and political force. Its efforts to diversify economies, reduce dependence on oil and gas, and attract investment in sectors including technology, finance, and tourism are reinforcing the region’s position. These developments make the GCC a key player in shaping the future global economy.

Strategic dialogue with Russia

The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council view Russia as a key, reliable partner with whom mutually beneficial cooperation can be established. The Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue provides a platform for discussing a broad range of issues, including security, energy, and the economy, all of which are vital to both Moscow and the Gulf states. This collaboration opens up opportunities for deepening ties at various levels, laying the foundation for long-term partnerships.

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For Russia, relations with the Gulf states are a top priority in its foreign policy. Special attention is given to the economy, technology, and trade, which are of strategic importance to both sides. During a meeting with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Lavrov emphasized the importance of strengthening these ties, noting that cooperation should be enhanced at all levels – from bilateral initiatives to multilateral projects.

The Russia-GCC dialogue format not only facilitates discussions on current international issues, but also helps in identifying practical solutions to strengthen collaboration. Lavrov highlighted the significant potential of this format, which can be utilized to achieve tangible results in critical areas such as energy and advanced technologies. These sectors are particularly crucial for the long-term economic partnership between Russia and the Gulf nations.

The GCC secretary-general expressed hope that high-level meetings would yield substantial results and help deepen relations between Russia and council members. He stressed that the Gulf states attach great importance to strengthening ties with Moscow, viewing Russia not only as an economic partner, but also as a key player in addressing regional security issues. This highlights the Gulf’s readiness for political dialogue with Russia.

Economic relations between Russia and the GCC countries are actively developing in areas such as trade, politics, and tourism. Particular attention is being paid to expanding trade ties with the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. Russia is eager to strengthen its presence in the regional market, particularly through the growth of exports, which helps solidify its economic footprint in the Gulf. 

The partnership with the UAE is especially fruitful, as it remains Russia’s largest trading partner in the region. In 2022, trade turnover between the two nations reached $9 billion, and by the end of 2024, it is expected to surpass $10 billion. Key exports include precious stones, gold, and electronic goods. Moreover, the number of Russian companies registered in the UAE has significantly increased in the past two years, reflecting a strong interest in developing business in the region. 

Although Qatar has smaller trade volumes compared to the UAE, it remains a vital partner for Russia, particularly in investment matters. Bilateral relations are focused on developing energy and economic supply chains, which strengthen ties and create new business opportunities. Qatar is considered a crucial ally for advancing joint projects within the region.

Saudi Arabia also remains an important political and economic partner for Russia. Despite a decline in trade turnover to $1.6 billion in 2023 (from $2.3bn in 2022), both nations recognize significant potential for growth, especially in agriculture. Russia is actively exporting products such as grain, meat, and poultry to Saudi Arabia, contributing to the kingdom’s food security and expanding economic cooperation in the years to come.

Towards a new world order 

As of January 1, 2024, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have officially joined BRICS, marking a significant step in enhancing their positions on the global stage. Their entry into this multipolar group reflects the Gulf nations’ desire for more active participation in global economic and political processes, as well as strengthening cooperation with key partners such as Russia, China, and India. Membership in BRICS opens new opportunities for these countries to expand their economic and investment ties, reinforcing their role in shaping a new world order.

The GCC states have long played a pivotal role in international politics and the global economy, but recent years have seen an intensified push toward independent foreign policy. Despite historical ties with the West, the Gulf countries are increasingly seeking alternative paths and building multi-faceted relationships with partners like Russia and China. Lavrov highlighted that the GCC is becoming an important center of power in the emerging multipolar world, aiming for a fair and balanced distribution of influence on the international stage.

The shift away from a unipolar world order by the Gulf states is driven by the negative consequences they have witnessed from Western hegemony, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern conflicts. External interference, which has contributed to regional instability, has prompted the GCC nations to reevaluate their foreign policy strategies and explore new alliances such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and OPEC+. These organizations provide platforms for more equitable engagement on the world stage, where the interests of all parties are considered.

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Joint efforts between Russia and the GCC within global organizations like BRICS, OPEC+, and the SCO demonstrate both sides’ commitment to building a more transparent and just global system. These groups foster common interests in areas such as energy, economics, and security, strengthening cooperation and helping to formulate long-term solutions to global challenges. These initiatives contribute to the creation of a multipolar world, where each country has the opportunity to influence key decisions.

Economic cooperation between Russia and the GCC is also gaining significant momentum. Strong ties in the energy sector, trade, and investments form the basis for long-term partnerships, which are particularly crucial in times of global economic instability. Joint infrastructure and energy projects, along with the expansion of exports and the creation of new investment opportunities, are bolstering bilateral relations and helping both sides maintain stability in a shifting global order.

Political engagement between Russia and the Gulf states is also accelerating. Both sides place a high priority on regional security and stability in the Middle East. Russia and the GCC share a vision of multi-faceted diplomacy, which allows them to reduce dependence on Western partners and develop independent strategies to address international and regional issues. This approach creates favorable conditions for further deepening political dialogue. 

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in particular are becoming vital platforms for diplomatic initiatives and international negotiations. Their involvement in BRICS and other organizations highlights their readiness to take an active role in shaping a new world order based on fairness and mutual respect. It is expected that other GCC nations such as Qatar and Oman may also join these initiatives, further enhancing regional influence on the global stage.

In conclusion, relations between Russia and the GCC countries are showing a steady trend toward strengthening. Shared interests in the fields of economics, energy, and politics are fostering the development of a more balanced and just world order. Collaborative work within BRICS, OPEC+, and the SCO is reinforcing a multipolar model of global governance, where every nation has a voice and the ability to influence global processes.