International History Declassified

On September 12, 1962, N.S. Khrushchev met with Saudi Arabian representative Ahmad Shukeiry in Gagra to discuss various global issues. They covered Soviet intervention in Egypt and the Middle East, European imperialism in Africa, the Algerian and Indonesian struggles against colonial powers, and US elections and labor unions. Khrushchev emphasized the USSR’s competition with the capitalist world, while Shukeiry expressed gratitude for Soviet support in Arab and anti-imperialist movements, including Palestine. They also discussed potential Soviet-Saudi diplomatic relations and Khrushchev’s possible visit to the UN General Assembly.

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.

On July 26, 1962, N.S. Khrushchev met with Moroccan Ambassador Abdel’kebir El-Fassi to discuss Soviet-Moroccan relations. El-Fassi expressed gratitude for Soviet support during the Suez Crisis and in decolonization efforts and emphasized Morocco’s desire to strengthen political, economic, and military ties with the USSR. The conversation also covered regional issues, including Algeria’s internal situation, Morocco’s concerns over Mauritania’s independence, and efforts to free Moroccan territory from Spanish control.

On June 5, 1962, N.S. Khrushchev received Mamadou Dia, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Senegal, for discussions on Soviet-Senegalese relations. Dia expressed Senegal’s interest in learning from both socialist and non-socialist nations, proposed agreements on trade, technical cooperation, and cultural ties, and briefly discussed disarmament and NATO tensions. Khrushchev emphasized the USSR’s willingness to cooperate with non-socialist states while expressing hope that Senegal might adopt socialism in the future.

On May 8, 1962, N.S. Khrushchev met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Subandrio to discuss Soviet-Indonesian relations, including economic and military cooperation. Subandrio expressed gratitude for Soviet assistance in Indonesia’s struggle against Dutch colonial rule and outlined Indonesia’s plans to pursue a socialist-oriented path. The conversation also covered military aid, economic exchanges, and Soviet specialists in Indonesia, with A.N. Kosygin addressing specific agreements and financial arrangements.