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Putin Visits Riyadh: Regional Developments, OPEC+ in Spotlight

Relations between the two countries enjoy a close level of political and economic cooperation (Reuters)
Relations between the two countries enjoy a close level of political and economic cooperation (Reuters)
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Putin Visits Riyadh: Regional Developments, OPEC+ in Spotlight

Relations between the two countries enjoy a close level of political and economic cooperation (Reuters)
Relations between the two countries enjoy a close level of political and economic cooperation (Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for an official visit, where he is expected to meet with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Earlier, Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that approximately 30 documents, including economic and trade agreements, have been prepared for signing during Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, King Salman will discuss various areas of cooperation between the two countries, encompassing energy, agriculture, industry, military-technical collaboration, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges, according to Ushakov.

Wednesday’s talks in Saudi Arabia will focus on bilateral relations and the war between Israel and Hamas, spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said earlier.

Issues related to oil market cooperation are also on the agenda, he added.

According to Ushakov, Putin’s primary discussions will be with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Prior to that, Putin will be in the UAE, where there will also be a working visit.

“I hope that the outcomes of this visit will be very positive,” said Ushakov as reported by the Russian news agency Sputnik.

Ushakov affirmed that Putin will address bilateral relations, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and international politics.

Additionally, discussions will cover the reduction of oil production within the framework of the OPEC+ alliance, which includes Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the UAE.

The last time Putin visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE was in 2019, as reported by the official news agency TASS. This marks Putin’s second visit to Riyadh since assuming leadership in Russia.

Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia carry distinctive historical nuances, dating back to 1926, during the Soviet era, as indicated by official sources.

In that epoch, the Soviet Union became the first non-Arab state to recognize the Kingdom as an independent nation. In 1930, the Soviet consulate in Jeddah was elevated to embassy status.

Official visits from Saudi Arabia have underscored the significance of these ties, particularly with the historic visit by King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Moscow in October 2017.

This marked the first-ever visit by a Saudi monarch to the Russian capital, and it was met with a notable reception from Putin.

Between 2015 and 2018, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conducted multiple visits to Russia, engaging with Putin and a significant number of Russian ministers, officials, and business leaders.

These encounters played a crucial role in elevating the relationship between the two nations.

Official sources identify Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s top oil exporters, with Saudi Arabia ranking first, followed closely by Russia.

The countries closely collaborate within the frameworks of OPEC and OPEC+.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.