On July 26, 1962, N.S. Khrushchev met with Syrian Ambassador Rafik Asha for a farewell conversation before Asha’s departure to assume a higher post in Syria. Asha expressed deep appreciation for his time in the USSR and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Soviet-Syrian relations. The discussion covered Syria’s internal challenges, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the dissolution of the Syrian-Egyptian union, with Khrushchev emphasizing continued Soviet support for Syria’s independence and stability.

Khrushchev and Ambassador Ghaleb discuss Soviet-UAR relations, emphasizing cooperation on the Aswan Dam and differing views on the UN “troika” proposal. Khrushchev offers candid criticism of Western influence and advises caution regarding Arab unification efforts, referencing the recent Syrian secession.

As Ambassador El-Kuni bid farewell to Khrushchev, he thanked the Soviet Union for its support of the Arab peoples and the UAR, while Khrushchev expressed hope for continued strong relations, highlighting the Aswan Dam as a lasting symbol of friendship. Khrushchev also privately criticized the UAR's treatment of communists and warned that undemocratic practices could strain relations, while El-Kuni defended the government's actions as necessary for national stability.

In the conversation, N. S. Khrushchev and M. A. al-Kuni discuss tensions between the USSR and the UAR (Egypt), particularly misunderstandings stemming from speeches by President Nasser and Soviet responses. Khrushchev emphasizes the USSR's commitment to aiding the UAR and supporting anti-imperialist struggles while rejecting accusations of spreading Communism intentionally. Al-Kuni conveys Nasser's regret over the escalation of disagreements and his desire to preserve the friendship between the two nations. Both sides acknowledge the challenges posed by regional dynamics and agree on the importance of improving relations for mutual benefit and peace in the Middle East.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Khrushchev discusses the Soviet Union's relationships with both Iraq and the UAR (Egypt), expressing criticism of Nasser's policies and approach to Arab unity. He voices concerns over Nasser’s political stance and the impact of his speeches, highlighting areas where Soviet and Egyptian interests diverge. Additionally, Khrushchev thanks the Sudanese Ambassador for his service as he steps down from his position.

The two sides first discuss the aggression of the USA, England, and France towards the Arab nations over natural resources. The two sides then discuss bilateral relations and affairs in the Middle East.

Dobrynin describes Soviet efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Middle East and the Soviet Union's position on a possible Security Council resolution. He also raises the possibility of Kissinger visiting Moscow.

Dobrynin summarizes two conversations with Henry Kissinger about the conflict between Israel and Egypt and Syria. Kissinger claims that the Soviet Union knew in advance of the Arab intention to go to war.

Kohl and Mubarak discuss the recent bomb attack in Cairo and the question of the assassins. Upon Kohl's question, Mubarak rejects the idea that Libya and Gaddafi could be behind it. Rather, Mubarak suggests the changes in Gaddafi’s position and the latter's concern about fundamentalist terror in Libya. Mubarak thinks Iran was behind the terror attack in Cairo.

Kohl and Mubarak discuss the overall situation in the Midle East after the Gulf War. Mubarak shares his insights examining the positions and competing interests of Israel, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia.