A wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to outstanding Russian politician Yevgeny Primakov took place on November 25. It was organised by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Moscow and was also attended by Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.

The doyen of the Arab diplomatic corps and Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Russian Federation, Yousef bin Issa al Zadjali, had the following to say:

 “The members of the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Moscow have come today to the monument of the late Yevgeny Primakov, an academician, a renowned expert in Arab studies and a statesman, to pay tribute to his major role in promoting Russian-Arab-Islamic relations and his achievements in the Arab world. We express our gratitude to the Russian Foreign Ministry for providing an opportunity to speak here and for erecting this monument, which graces the park across from the Foreign Ministry building.

Mr Primakov led an active life filled with scientific, political, parliamentary and social achievements in the name of serving his homeland, its people, as well as people seeking independence, freedom and prosperity.

He was a loyal and caring friend of the Arabs. He supported them as they were building their independent states and striving to preserve their national identities. He opposed all manifestations of aggression suffered by the Arab countries on the part of those who wanted to seize their wealth and thwart their development.

Mr Primakov was a staunch defender of the Palestinian people. Whatever position he held, he never stopped making an effort to promote the Palestinians’ legitimate rights and create an independent state in accordance with well-known international resolutions. He always took an active part in finding a solution and resolving crises that arose in the Arab countries and the Middle East in general.

He clearly understood the negative consequences of the so-called Arab Spring, warned about them and anticipated the adverse outcomes of these perturbations, which the involved international forces used to attain their self-serving goals, as they opened the door to oppression and terrorism. We remember him saying that terror has no religion, and that Islam has nothing to do with it.

Mr Primakov was behind a number of initiatives to create forums and associations that united Russians, Arabs and Muslims to find common ground and mutual understanding in the interests of all parties. He stood behind the Russian-Arab Business Council, which was designed to promote trade, mutually beneficial economic cooperation and the search for major projects for universal development and progress. He also initiated the creation of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-Islamic World,” which played and continues to play a tangible role in promoting relations and bringing the world outlook between Russia and the Islamic world closer. Mr Primakov’s ideas and projects have come true and are bringing the desired results today.

We, in Oman, appreciate and respect Mr Primakov for his tremendous efforts to establish relations between the Sultanate and the Soviet Union, and then the Russian Federation. He really was an architect and a patron in these relations.

Mr Primakov remains one of the most prominent Russian figures on the modern political stage, a fact that is confirmed by President Putin’s statement: “Yevgeny Primakov was a true statesman with a unique status who possessed the professionalism, administrative experience and insight that were needed in the most challenging and critical areas of his work.”

He was a true friend of the Arabs. May his memory forever remain in our hearts, and his political and cultural heritage serve as a guide for the Arab peoples and states in strengthening their independence, sovereignty and prosperity.”