The 12th Session of the Russian-Arab Business Council was held in the Russian capital, Moscow, in conjunction with the fourth International Exhibition "Arabia EXPO". The exhibition is an appropriate forum for enhancing trade and economic relations between Russian and Arab partners, in addition to the wide Arab presence, 85 regions from the Russian Federation participated in the exhibition, all of which wish to expand trade cooperation with partners in the Arab world. For example, the North Caucasus Affairs Department organized a special pavilion to familiarize Arab investors with the economic and touristic potential of the Caucasus region of Russia. The ministry expressed its hope that the exhibition will contribute in "building long-term relations with the Arab countries."

As part of the "Arabia EXPO", meetings of the Arab-Russian Business Councils will be launched simultaneously, these meetings will discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation and the mechanisms to strengthen it.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and his deputy Mikhail Bogdanov Russia's representative in the Middle East, as well as many Arab and Russian officials and economists.

The Russian Foreign Minister delivered a speech welcoming the guests, stressing that this event shows the interest of both sides in developing cooperation. He praised the role of the Russian-Arab Business Council in developing the continuous dialogue between Arab and Russian businessmen and increasing mutual investments in all fields.

Lavrov conveyed the message of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent his greetings to the conference participants, and also stressed the role of the conference in the dialogue between the Arab countries and Russia, and wished the attendees outstanding work and success. He also sent a message from the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, which reflects the importance of this event in developing cooperation between Russia and the countries of the region, which depends on equality between the two sides, and that cooperation dates back to the Soviet era.

Lavrov said, that the message of the two Presidents Putin and Medvedev emphasize the cooperation and friendship between the two parties, and that the traditions of partnership have become more and more established over time. He added, what is needed now is to unite efforts to resolve the existing crises in the Middle East, in order to achieve peace and to develop conditions for sustainable development.

Lavrov stressed that, the Russian cooperation has increased with the Arab countries in the past year only by 8%, and that Russia allocates a large budget for investment in the Arab world and that there are more than 400 joint ventures with the Arab side. He also noted the close cooperation between the Russian Investment Fund and its representative in the Arabian Gulf, which establishes the basis of cooperation.

Sergei Lavrov concluded his speech by wishing that this council would contribute to developing cooperation with the Arab world and the role of Arab EXPO in developing cooperation between Arab and Russian businessmen. He wished the participants to discuss various areas of cooperation, which raises the standard of living of the people. Finally, he wished all a good stay in Russia and the achievement of new contacts and contracts.

The President of the Union of Arab Chambers, Mohamed Abdo Said, spoke about the great efforts being made to improve cooperation between Russia and the Arab world, including the establishment of bilateral Arab-Russian businessmen councils, which resulted in many commercial activities. He pointed to the need to make more efforts, especially in the field of technology because Russia is an expert in that area, and stressed the importance of the exports between Arab and Russian ports, which is of great importance to Trade exchange.

In turn, the Chairman of the Russian-Arab Business Council, Vladimir Yevtushenko talked about the great cooperation with many Arab governments and companies, pointing out investments with almost all Arab countries. He believed that the conference is an opportunity for Russian companies to offer the Arab partners many products and services. Moreover, he stressed that this conference is very important to strengthen Russia's positions in the Arab world, and that the future will see further development of relations.

The Lebanese Minister of Communications, Mohammed Choucair, thanked the Russian side for hosting this important event on the economic level, and the role of Russia in the Arab world, and the Russian efforts to solve the problems that is witnessed by the Arab countries. Choucair said that Lebanon will be one of the oil and gas producing countries, and that several companies will start exploration soon. He hoped that Russian companies would be the ones playing this important role in the Lebanese Economy.

On the other hand, the Moroccan Housing Minister, Abdel-Ahad Al-Fassi Al-Fihri, talked about Russia's important role in global trade, the fight against the disorder, and achieving stability. There have been reciprocal visits between Morocco and Russia since 2016, several strategic partnership agreements were held in many areas, the trade exchange saw a 13% increase. Morocco became the second destination of foreign investment, due to economic reform, the development of productive investment, the business climate, and the construction of a new strategy in professional competence.

The conference will conclude on the 10th of this month, in Moscow, the agenda will witness many meetings, and economic seminars.