By Country / Russia
Russia Plans To Strengthen Ties With Islamic Countries
February 02, 2006
Lavrov said closer ties with Islamic countries could avoid international conflicts (file photo) (ITAR-TASS)
Lavrov emphasized that closer ties could help resolve key international problems, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the row over Iran's controversial nuclear program, as well as the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lavrov made the comments at a reception for ambassadors from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) member states in Moscow.
Malaysian ambassador Dato Mohamed Khalis, whose country holds the rotating chairmanship of the OIC, said Russia could help build a bridge between the West and the Islamic world.
The 57-nation organization agreed last year to invite Russia to attend future meetings as an observer.
(AP)