Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said yesterday that the Syrian negotiating body formed at the Riyadh conference, held by the Syrian opposition, is the only entity that can negotiate on behalf of the Syrian people, “but Russia believes that there are other parties also, which is a point of difference between us.”
During a press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow, Al-Jubeir added that there is a consensus with Russia on the “fight against terrorism”, and that he discussed with the Russian side the importance of the ceasefire in Syria and the entry of aid into Syria.
Al-Jubeir emphasised the importance of consultation with Moscow on issues, around which there are differences in points of view, calling for the resumption of peace negotiations on Syria.
On his part, Lavrov said that the relationship between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should be on the basis of international legitimacy and non-interference in the affairs of others, expressing his country’s willingness to assist in resolving the differences between the Gulf States and Iran “through direct dialogue”.
He said that he discussed with Al-Jubeir the situation in the Gulf, stressing on the uniformity of his stance with Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism.
Earlier yesterday, Al-Jubeir confirmed that Saudi is keen to promote better relations with Russia in all areas, hoping to discuss regional issues with his Russian counterpart in the fourth meeting of the strategic dialogue between Russia and the GCC in Moscow.