Riyadh, December 7, 2023, Within the framework of the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation, President Vladimir Putin visited the Kingdom on December 6, 2023. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, warmly welcomed the Russian President at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. The two leaders engaged in an official session of talks, where they reviewed the historical and strategic ties between the two countries and explored avenues for further development across various fields. Discussions also encompassed the current regional and international situations.
President Putin extended congratulations to HRH the Crown Prince for winning the bid to host World Expo 2030. In the economic, trade, and investment sectors, both sides commended the notable increase in bilateral trade volume, signaling a 46% growth in 2022 compared to the previous year. The leaders expressed their intent to continue joint efforts to enhance and diversify trade, foster communication between private sectors, and explore promising trade and investment opportunities.
Emphasis was placed on mutual and joint investments, with a commitment to stimulate innovation, apply emerging technologies, and develop the ecosystem within the energy sector. Both sides commended the successful cooperation in OPEC+ efforts to stabilize global oil markets and stressed the importance of continuing this cooperation.
The 8th session of the Saudi-Russian Joint Committee, held in October 2023 in Moscow, was highlighted as a success, with agreements reached on new areas of cooperation. The two sides underscored the significance of enhancing collaboration in oil and gas, geoscientific studies, environment, water, agriculture, food security, communications, technology, digital economy, innovation, space, transportation, logistics, judiciary, justice, sustainable tourism, sports, education, health, and media.
The Russian side expressed support for the Kingdom's "Saudi Green Initiative" and the "Middle East Green Initiative," lauding the circular carbon economy approach and emphasizing adherence to climate change principles.
In defense and security, both countries committed to enhancing cooperation to achieve common interests. They expressed a desire to strengthen security cooperation and coordination on issues such as combating crimes, terrorism, and extremism.
The two sides pledged to combat cross-border corruption crimes and recover proceeds obtained from corruption crimes. The Russian side welcomed the Kingdom's hosting of the fourth Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in November 2024.
International cooperation in organizations like the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the G20 was deemed important, and both sides renewed their commitment to maintain international peace and security. Discussions on regional issues included the situation in Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, and the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Iran.
The leaders expressed their hope for a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, commending the Kingdom's efforts in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between Yemeni parties.
The visit concluded with President Putin expressing gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality, while HRH the Crown Prince conveyed best wishes for the good health and prosperity of the Russian people. The visit exemplified the commitment of both nations to strengthening their multifaceted relationship across various sectors.
