ECFA Director Ambassador, Dr. Ezzat Saad, participated in the third session of the Arab-American Relations Conference on 30 January 2017, in cooperation between the American University in Cairo ( School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) ,Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center and the Middle East Institute in Washington).The Conference, held under the title of Prospects of Arab-American Relations under the New American Administration, was dedicated to the role of other world powers. Ambassador                Dr. Saad spoke about prospects of a rapprochement between US and Russia under the new administration, and their possible implications for the Middle East problems, whether negative or positive.

Among the most important references made are the following:

1. There is a consensus among analysts – both in the West and in Russia – that Russia is one of the main challenges facing President Trump. His statements – during his campaign and after his inauguration – revealed his desire to re-launch relations with Russia against the will of many US institutions such as the Pentagon, Congress and the Intelligence.

2. Nevertheless, the right-wing parties in a number of EU countries have expressed concern that any Russian-American rapprochement would be at the expense of the European Union. In this context, some major powers in the Union, such as France, indicated that they did not mind lifting sanctions on Russia, provided that it gives something in return.

3. The Ukrainian crisis and subsequent economic and financial sanctions against Russia for annexing “the Crimean Peninsula” constituted a turning point in Russia’s policy toward the region.

4. However, the above does not mean that the Middle East arena is ripe for a rising Russian role in the region. Russia remains in need of Washington’s cooperation to find solutions to the problems of the region.