Riyadh, December 7, 2023, In a momentous meeting at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly received President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation. The extensive talks between the two leaders, held in the presence of their respective delegations, underscored the historical and robust relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Beginning the meeting with a speech, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the deep-rooted ties, noting that Russia was the first country to recognize the Kingdom after the establishment of the third Saudi state. He highlighted the multifaceted collaboration over the past seven years, covering sectors such as energy, agriculture, trade, and investment. The Crown Prince praised the effective coordination and political efforts that have contributed to easing tensions in the Middle East.
Expressing anticipation for future opportunities, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the need for collective action to benefit the people, the region, and the world. He extended a warm welcome to President Putin, emphasizing his special and esteemed guest status in the Kingdom.
In response, President Putin conveyed gratitude for the invitation, acknowledging the depth of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted the Soviet Union's historic recognition of the Kingdom and commended the significant development in bilateral relations, crediting the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Russian President acknowledged solid cooperation in politics and the economy, expressing appreciation for the Crown Prince's invitation. Both leaders also held a bilateral meeting to discuss issues of common concern.
The high-profile meeting was attended by key officials from both sides, including Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman from the Saudi side, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak from the Russian side, among others. The gathering emphasized the continued commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation in various domains between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
