The Russian authorities decided to cancel the summit in Moscow with the participation of representatives of Arab countries scheduled for October 15, Bloomberg reported.
According to the official statement, some leaders of Arab countries could not go to Moscow due to their involvement in implementing the peace plan between Israel and Hamas.
Vladimir Putin himself declared that moving the summit was “his own decision.”
“Putin's failure and image blow”
However, according to Bloomberg informants, Putin was afraid of embarrassment. According to the agency, the leaders of Arab countries are more interested in building relations with US President Donald Trump after the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
– I wouldn't call it a failure for Russia, but it is certainly a failure for Putin and a blow to his image – says Marcin Krzyżanowski, an orientalist from the Jagiellonian University and former consul of the Republic of Poland in Kabul, in an interview with Onet.
How do Arab countries look at Russia now?
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— After the temporary rise of Russia's importance, the Middle East, especially the Arab countries, remembered the long arms of America and the huge difference in potential between Washington and Moscow. Arab countries have realized that despite some flaws in America's image, the United States is the only power capable of ensuring some stability in the Middle East, replies the analyst.
Two advantages for Russia and one curse
Krzyżanowski emphasizes that in the eyes of Arab countries, Russia “is an important player on the oil market.” — In addition, Russia still has significant influence and operational military bases in Syria, which gives it influence on the development of the military situation in the region. But for Arab countries, the United States is still number one, he adds.
How is Moscow trying to tempt Arab countries in the context of competition with Washington? — Russia has tried and is still trying to position itself as an alternative to the United States. As a factor that is able to challenge America to some extent by creating a multipolar world – replies Onet's interlocutor.
The former consul notes that the Kremlin's plans remain on paper because “Russia's failures in the war with Ukraine have shown the Arab countries that it is much weaker than it tries to present itself.”
The expert points out that it is difficult to identify one Arab country that is currently particularly positive towards the Kremlin. — The temperature of feelings towards Russia depends largely on the situation on the oil and gas market, he comments.
— Russia cooperates primarily with the largest players in this region. The main partner in the talks is Saudi Arabia and, to some extent, Qatar. However, this is not sympathy, but simply a relationship calculated for strategic reasons. Pure opportunism, he says.
Onet's interlocutor points to one of the issues that is problematic in Russia's relations with Arab countries. — This is about strategic relations and very close cooperation between Russia and Iran. This is a thorn in Saudi Arabia's side, he emphasizes.
However, he emphasizes that “Russia has not gone too far in its alliance with Iran and is not fully fulfilling it.” – Nevertheless, this is a factor that further complicates relations with the Gulf countries – he concludes.
