Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged for stronger relations with the Arab League and its member states, proposing closer cooperation in maintaining regional security and in resolving a number of ongoing conflicts from Libya to Yemen. 

said the “formation of a multipolar system of international relations is gaining momentum,” adding that the nations of the Middle East and North Africa, “with a combined population of almost half a billion,” will play an “increasingly significant role in this process.”

“Russia is ready to continue to fully boost ties with the Arab League and all its members, particularly in strengthening regional and global security,” the president continued. “We believe that the military and political issues that the Middle East and North Africa are facing – including the Syrian and Libyan crises and the Yemeni and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts – should be resolved based on universally recognized international laws, with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.”

The Arab League summit kicked off later on Tuesday, with officials from all of the body’s 22 members in attendance besides Syria, which has been suspended from the org since its civil war began in 2011. Though there was some discussion about allowing Damascus to attend the event in Algiers, Syria’s own foreign minister reportedly suggested the issue be resolved later “for the sake of Arab unity given the challenges posed by current regional and international conditions,” according to Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra.

slammed any improved diplomatic ties as a betrayal of their cause. Algeria, the host of this year's summit, remains a vocal supporter of the Palestinians.