Russian FM Lavrov Arrives in Bahrain for Ninth Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Bahrain to take part in the ninth round of the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Anadolu Ajansı reported that he arrived on Saturday in Manama, Bahrain's capital, and that the Russian Foreign Ministry announced his arrival in a statement with photos of him being welcomed by officials.

Saudi Gazette gave the same account. It said Lavrov was received by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and Russian Ambassador to Bahrain Alexey Skosyrev. Anadolu named the same three officials, spelling the secretary-general's surname Al-Budaiwi.

Sputnik reported, citing its correspondent, that Lavrov will take part in the dialogue on Sunday. 8AM Media, citing Anadolu, also said Bahrain is scheduled to host the ninth round at foreign-minister level on Sunday.

The outlets differ on the agenda. Sputnik said the Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Friday that the ministers would discuss in detail ways to further strengthen the partnership between Russia and the GCC member states, including in trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Saudi Gazette said the gathering would discuss regional and international developments.

Anadolu and Saudi Gazette both attributed remarks to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Both said she spoke on Thursday. Anadolu said she told a press briefing that the meeting would exchange views on a broad range of international and regional issues. Saudi Gazette said the meeting would give both sides an opportunity to exchange views on those issues.

All three of Sputnik, Saudi Gazette and Anadolu said Lavrov is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. They said the previous round was held in the Russian resort city of Sochi in September 2025.

Saudi Gazette described the strategic dialogue as a diplomatic platform for consultations between Russia and the six GCC member states, which it listed as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, on issues of mutual interest. 8AM Media added that Russia is facing extensive sanctions imposed by Western countries over its military invasion of Ukraine.