KAZAN, May 15. /TASS/. Russia is a great power that has always advocated for peace, which is why its role is very important for the Middle East, Walid Hamid Shiltag, the League of Arab States ambassador to Moscow, stated.

"Russia always plays a positive role because it consistently supports our causes in the region. Take the Palestinian issue, for example. Russia has been fighting for a Palestinian state for 70 years now," the diplomat told TASS on the sidelines of the Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum event.

In his opinion, even at the present moment, "Russia, of course, plays a major role because, first, it is a great power, and second, it always advocates for peace."

"And there are good initiatives by President [Vladimir] Putin to create safe zones in this region. International security is exactly what is needed now for our region to live in peace," the ambassador noted.

The 17th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum" is taking place on May 12-17. TASS is the forum’s general information partner.