Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef emphasized on Monday the enduring strength of economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Speaking at the Russian-Saudi Dialogue Forum, held as part of INNOPROM 2025 in Yekaterinburg, he stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector as a vital enabler for economic diversification as part of the Kingdom’s objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
Underscoring the Kingdom’s vast mineral resources, he highlighted its strategic geographic location as a global trade hub that connects three continents, offering promising opportunities for international investors.
Alkhorayef praised the outcomes of the Saudi-Russian Joint Committee, emphasizing its role in identifying investment opportunities across key sectors and enhancing knowledge exchange between the two countries.
The minister called on forum participants to continue strengthening cooperation and creating tangible projects that support the sustainable growth of both Saudi Arabia and Russia. He also extended an open invitation to Russian counterparts to visit the Kingdom, explore its diverse investment prospects, and experience its rich cultural heritage, noting that Saudi nationals have been showing increasing interest in travel to Russia.
Alkhorayef praised the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and Russia that has spanned over 100 years, creating a foundation to advance joint initiatives in industry, mining, technology, and global trade.
Saudi Arabia and Russia’s economic relations have already witnessed monumental growth in recent years, particularly in the fields of industry, mining, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing. Bilateral non-oil trade increased from $491 million in 2016 to $3.28 billion in 2024, reflecting a growing partnership between the two countries.
Alkhorayef is currently leading a high-level Saudi delegation to Russia, accompanied by senior officials from 18 government entities and more than 20 leading national companies representing priority sectors including industrial services, technology, manufacturing, machinery, mining, industrial automation, energy, tourism, and culture.
