Riyadh, December 06, 2023, Over the past ninety years, Saudi-Russian relations have blossomed into a strategic partnership characterized by shared understanding, aligned visions, and mutual interests. This enduring collaboration has unlocked significant potential in various domains, with both nations prioritizing development to benefit their respective populations.
The political foundation of this relationship was laid in 1926 when the Soviet Union became the first country globally to recognize the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 1930, the Soviet consulate in Jeddah was upgraded to embassy status, solidifying diplomatic ties between the two nations.
A pivotal moment in Saudi-Russian relations occurred during the historic visit of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz to Moscow in 1932, under the directives of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman. This visit laid the groundwork for a new phase of mutual understanding, and in 1990, diplomatic relations were officially resumed through a joint statement.
The collaboration between the two countries has evolved into advanced stages, supported by their membership in the G20 group—a congregation of the world's strongest economies. This international partnership has further elevated their relations, fostering cooperation in political, economic, scientific, cultural, and energy fields.
Key milestones in this relationship include the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Russia in 2015, which significantly strengthened Saudi-Russian ties, advancing common interests and ensuring regional security. Subsequent meetings between the leaders, including discussions at the G20 Summits in Antalya (2015) and Hangzhou (2016), further reinforced the bilateral relationship.
Under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Vladimir Putin, both countries signed a charter of cooperation and exchange of agreements. This comprehensive agreement aimed to develop economic and developmental fields, covering areas such as the petroleum industry, energy sectors, scientific research, space, justice, health services, tourism, and cultural cooperation.
The economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia have flourished, with trade exchange reaching SAR 12.5 billion in 2023. Saudi non-oil exports included aluminum, plastics, metals, fruits, and organic chemical products, while non-oil imports comprised metal products, grains, meat, iron, steel, animal fats, and vegetable oils.
Beyond economic collaboration, the two nations have also joined forces to address global challenges, including supporting stability in oil markets through the historic OPEC+ agreement. The Kingdom's role as a mediator in the Ukrainian crisis, advocating for a political solution, underscores its commitment to fostering peace and stability on the international stage.
Cultural, media, and sports exchanges have further enriched the Saudi-Russian relationship, with initiatives such as the Saudi Press Agency broadcasting Saudi news in Russian and translating Saudi Vision 2030 into the language. The launch of SaudiSat-4 in 2014 from Russia's Dombarovsky air base also highlighted successful cooperation in the field of space.
The current visit of President Vladimir Putin to the Kingdom is a testament to the ongoing efforts by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to engage with influential international parties and coordinate global action. It comes in the wake of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit hosted by Saudi Arabia, where urgent calls were made for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza and the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.
In summary, the robust Saudi-Russian relations underscore a history of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared objectives. As both nations continue to navigate complex regional and global issues, their enduring partnership serves as a model for diplomatic cooperation and strategic alliances.
