Middle East
Background
The Middle East is a geopolitical region centered on the Arabian Peninsula and extending to Egypt, Iran, Iraq, the Levant, and Turkey. In common usage it covers most of the territory often described as West Asia, while excluding the South Caucasus; it also includes all of Egypt and all of Turkey, including East Thrace. The region is defined more by historical, political, and cultural connections than by a single natural boundary, and its meaning has varied over time.
The area has major importance in international affairs because it includes states with large populations, key trade routes, and major energy producers. Several countries bordering the Persian Gulf hold vast petroleum reserves, and the region is closely tied to global oil and gas markets, shipping lanes, and supply chains. In Russian diplomacy, the Middle East is a recurring subject of high-level contacts with regional governments, including Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, particularly during periods of instability.
The term “Middle East” came into widespread use in the early 20th century as a Western European designation replacing “Near East.” The region has a long historical association with ancient civilizations and with the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and it has been a focus of competition for influence for centuries. In recent years, conflicts in and around the region have affected energy prices, transport routes, and humanitarian and evacuation efforts, making it a continuing priority in both regional and global security discussions.
Timeline
Russia and Turkey discussed the worsening tensions in the Middle East and coordinated efforts to reduce escalation.
Press Release: On the Meeting Between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia G.E. Borisenko and Turkish Ambassador to Moscow T. BilgiçThe discussion focused on the regional fallout from US and Israeli strikes on Iran in the Middle East.
Press Release: On the Meeting Between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia G.E. Borisenko and Turkish Ambassador to Moscow T. BilgiçThe parties discussed the Iran crisis in the Middle East.
On the Meeting Between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.Yu. Rudenko and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Moscow F.N. TirmiziA immediate ceasefire in the Middle East was called for by both leaders.
Telephone Conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham AliyevThe deteriorating situation in the Middle East was discussed during the telephone conversation.
Telephone Conversation with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Documents
Telephone Conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev
Putin thanked Azerbaijani President Aliyev for facilitating the evacuation of Russian nationals from Iran and transit of humanitarian aid, and both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
Press Release: On the Meeting Between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia G.E. Borisenko and Turkish Ambassador to Moscow T. Bilgiç
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Borisenko met with Turkey's ambassador in Moscow to discuss Middle East tensions and coordinate efforts to reduce escalation following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Telephone Conversation with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Putin called UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed to mark his 65th birthday, discussed the deteriorating Middle East situation, and thanked the UAE for supporting Russian citizens there.
On the Meeting Between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.Yu. Rudenko and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Moscow F.N. Tirmizi
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko met with Pakistan's Ambassador Tirmizi to discuss the Iran crisis and bilateral relations.
Meeting on the Situation on the Global Oil and Gas Market
Putin said the Middle East conflict is disrupting oil and gas markets, urged Russian firms to redirect exports from Europe, and told the government and central bank to monitor debt reduction.