LONDON: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani said on Thursday that he discussed a number of issues with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, describing the talks as constructive and fruitful.
Speaking during a joint press conference during his visit to Moscow, Al-Zayani said they discussed the latest regional and international developments, including the situation in Ukraine, and was briefed by Lavrov on the efforts being made through direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to reach a cease-fire and a political settlement to ends the conflict.
He affirmed his country’s firm position in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomatic methods to reach a comprehensive and lasting peace settlement in Ukraine.

He called for facilitating the opening of safe passages for civilians and provide them with protection, deliver humanitarian and relief aid to refugees and displaced persons, as well as alleviating the suffering of those affected, under the supervision of the UN and in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law.
Al-Zayani said that the two sides discussed the political and security situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue and the situation in Yemen, in addition to the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear deal.

He also said that he expressed concern over the progress of the negotiations, and stressed the importance of the issue for regional security, safety and stability, and the need for negotiations to address Iran’s destabilizing practices in the region, its sponsorship of terrorism and sectarian militias, and its missile program.
Lavrov said the two sides agreed to open new areas of bilateral cooperation, adding that they agreed on the need to strengthen international efforts aimed at launching direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and that Russia attaches great importance to Palestinian unity that would help advance the Palestinian settlement path.
He welcomed Saudi Arabia’s initiative to host the intra-Yemeni consultations with the participation of all Yemeni parties, expressing his hope that a final solution to the Yemeni crisis will be reached.