Arab nations called on to convene over Ukraine

Egypt on Sunday called on Arab nations to hold an emergency meeting over Russian military offensive against Ukraine.

A statement by the foreign ministry requested permanent representatives of the Arab league to meet over the developments in Ukraine.

Arab countries reacted differently to the Russian military operation in Ukraine, with Syria’s  Bashar Al Assad being the only head of state supporting Russia.

Likewise, Algeria and Sudan are Russian allies, though they have not issued official positions

Morocco’s ministry of foreign affairs said on Saturday “the Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its support for the territorial integrity and national unity of all United Nations member states”.

“The Kingdom of Morocco also recalls its attachment to the principle of non-use of force for the settlement of disputes between States and encourages all initiatives and actions promoting a peaceful settlement of conflicts.”

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman remained neutral.

Kuwait and Qatar and Egypt denounced the violence and hoped for de-escalation.

Lebanon called the offense “the invasion of Ukrainian territory” and called on “Russia to halt its military operation immediately and withdraw its force,” according to a statement by the foreign ministry.

The Ukraine crisis could potentially be disruptive in the MENA region with many countries heavily dependent on Ukraine and Russia for wheat imports.