The 4th International Research and Expert Forum "Russia — Middle East" opened on October 28 at the Reception House of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event, organized by the Primakov Center in partnership with the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS, commemorates the 95th anniversary of Yevgeny Primakov, an outstanding Russian statesman and Oriental studies scholar. The forum brings together over 50 leading experts from 15 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
This year's forum focuses on scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between Russia and regional countries amid global transformations and the emergence of a new world order.
The opening session was inaugurated by Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa. The discussion also featured Vitaly Naumkin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Academic Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS, and Ahmed Majdalani, Secretary General of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front. Participants addressed the prospects of BRICS development, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and new formats of regional cooperation.
The discussion particularly highlighted Yevgeny Primakov's legacy. Participants emphasized his multifaceted contribution to Russian foreign policy: as an outstanding statesman and diplomat, he laid the groundwork for BRICS by initiating the strategic partnership between Russia, India, and China. As a scholar, he significantly advanced the methodology for forecasting and researching contemporary international relations. His commitment to honest multilateral dialogue remains relevant today, as demonstrated by the format of this forum.
A key event was the presentation of the findings of the report "Russia's Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy Mission in the Middle East," prepared specifically for the forum by leading Russian experts: Academician Vitaly Naumkin, State Hermitage Museum Director Mikhail Piotrovsky, and Institute of Oriental Studies RAS Deputy Director Vasily Kuznetsov. The study analyzes the current state and prospects of Russia's scientific and cultural cooperation with regional countries, evaluates existing interaction programs, and proposes new formats for developing humanitarian ties.
The forum will continue until October 30. Over three days, experts will discuss a wide range of topics: from scientific and technological cooperation and technological sovereignty to green energy prospects and water security in the region. Special attention will be paid to new opportunities for economic cooperation between Russia and Gulf countries, as well as the role of values and pragmatism in Middle East foreign policy. Participants will also enjoy a cultural program, including a visit to the Russian State Library collection.