Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for a diplomatic resolution to the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global trade and navigation. Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov emphasized that the repeated armed confrontations in the region have caused significant damage to global shipping and trade. He urged Iran and Gulf Arab states to restore trust and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means.
Lavrov expressed Russia's support for returning to previous understandings between the US and Iran, citing a memorandum of understanding reached in Islamabad as a basis for resuming dialogue and promoting de-escalation efforts. He also emphasized Russia's willingness to contribute constructively to achieving stability in the Middle East. The Russian Foreign Minister's comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with various countries seeking to assert their interests.
The Russian Foreign Minister also touched on the Ukrainian conflict, criticizing Western countries for continuing to supply Ukraine with arms, which he said hindered efforts to find a peaceful solution. Lavrov accused Europe of seeking to obstruct peace talks, which he claimed were supported by US President Donald Trump's administration. Russia remains committed to negotiations to achieve a sustainable and just peace.
Lavrov reiterated Russia's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, based on UN resolutions. He noted that the UN Security Council had approved a plan for peace in the Gaza Strip nearly a year ago, but peace had yet to be achieved. The humanitarian situation remains critical, with continued deterioration in the West Bank. Lavrov warned that Israel's continued expansion of settlement activities in the occupied West Bank could make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible.
The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that the time had come to ensure the creation of a Palestinian state, considering it the primary issue in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of implementing UN resolutions and reviving the political process based on a two-state solution. Lavrov's comments reflect Russia's continued engagement on Middle East issues, seeking to promote a peaceful and stable resolution.
Lavrov also discussed the evolving global order, noting that the world was shifting towards a multipolar system. He called for adherence to the UN Charter and the principle of equal and indivisible security, where no country or group of countries seeks to enhance its security at the expense of others. Russia supports expanding representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the UN Security Council.
In addition, Lavrov emphasized the need for international cooperation on issues such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He expressed support for a Chinese initiative to establish an international organization for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The Russian Foreign Minister's speech at the UN General Assembly reflected Russia's commitment to multilateralism and its desire to play a constructive role in addressing global challenges.
Key points
- Russia calls for diplomatic resolution to Strait of Hormuz tensions
- Russia supports establishment of Palestinian state based on UN resolutions
- Russia advocates for multipolar world order, cooperation on AI and cybersecurity