Russia and International Red Cross Emphasize Expanding Humanitarian Cooperation in Ukraine, Iran, Syria and Beyond

Dragon Media Correspondent
Kathmandu

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric held talks in Moscow on Tuesday. The discussions, which took place during Spoljaric’s working visit to Russia, focused on major humanitarian crisis zones around the world, including the Ukraine conflict, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

The July 1 meeting featured detailed discussions on the humanitarian situations in the Ukraine crisis, Iran, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Africa and Southeast Asia. Both sides stressed the importance of strict compliance with international humanitarian law and depoliticized cooperation in this field.

According to the Russian side, special attention during the talks was devoted to reviewing joint efforts to verify data concerning alleged crimes committed during the Ukraine conflict. Discussions also covered expanding the ICRC’s cooperation with Russian humanitarian organizations and human rights bodies, including in the Donbass region.

In his opening remarks, Lavrov noted Russia’s desire to further strengthen the long-standing cooperation between Russia and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He praised the humanitarian role played by the Red Cross in various parts of the world and stated that Russia has always recognized the importance of the ICRC as a neutral and independent institution.

Following the conversation, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in continuing regular contacts and strengthening practical cooperation between Russia and the ICRC, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement.

President Spoljaric’s visit to Russia comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Ukraine war is deepening, while the need for the Red Cross’s presence and assistance is also growing in various parts of the Middle East and Africa. Analysts observe that adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring access to humanitarian aid emerged as the core messages of the meeting.