Putin stresses importance of Arab ties as new Arabic newspaper launched

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Amid Russian efforts to revive deeply rooted relations with the Arab World, Moscow News has announced the launch of a special, 16-page monthly Arabic edition to be distributed across the Arab World.

Russian authorities have already expressed support for the paper, to be published on a regular basis as of last month. The first edition includes a highly anticipated greeting by powerful Russian Prime Minister and former President Vladimir Putin.

In his greeting, Putin stresses the importance of the newspaper in Russia’s bid to develop dialogue and longstanding mutual understandings between his country and the Arab World. He also emphasizes the Arabic newspaper’s critical role in bringing in depth and unique information about Russia to Arab readers.

Given the paper’s monthly distribution, it will provide profound analysis on major world and regional developments. Thus, it will include sections devoted to politics, the economy, leisure, culture, sports and special reports.

The politics section in the first edition features unique aspects of regional issues including an interview with Dr. Rafik Al-Huseeini, chief of staff of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ office. In this interview, Al-Huseeini presents the Palestinian view of resuming peace negotiations. Additionally, the upcoming edition includes a special report on the 2010 Iraqi legislative election and a look into the Iranian nuclear dispute, in which Russia plays a key negotiating role.

Emphasizing long-established mutual interests, the economy section focuses on the Russian economy and potential economic relations with the Arab World. It also provides special coverage of a recent business conference attended by leading Saudi and Russian businesspeople.

The sport section profiles eminent Russian athletes who are also known to Arab sports fans. At the center of the first edition stands an exclusive report on “The Heart of Chechnya,” the largest mosque in Europe built in the Chechen capital Grozny. It was inaugurated last year by Putin.

Announcement of the publication has already been met with support from across the Arab World and Russia where it has been touted as an important step in maintaining the unbroken relationship between the two long-time economic and political partners.