Saudi Crown Prince, Russian President Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Russian President Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed bilateral ties and regional and international developments.

On Wednesday, the Crown Prince received the Russian President for an extensive meeting at al-Yamama Palace.

Putin and his delegation arrived in Riyadh on a visit to the Kingdom, the first since 2019 and the second since he assumed power in his country.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Crown Prince lauded the historic and strong ties between the two countries, noting that Russia was the first nation worldwide to recognize the establishment of the Kingdom in 1926.

He described the President as “a special and very dear guest to the Kingdom’s government and people.”

The Crown Prince indicated that both nations share many interests that they work on together for the benefit of the two countries, the Middle East, and the world as well.

Prince Mohammed reviewed the outstanding achievements between the two countries over the past seven years, whether in energy, agriculture, trade exchange, investment, or other sectors.

He praised the coordination and political ties between the two countries, which helped during tensions in the Middle East and contributed to enhancing security and future coordination, which will boost regional and international security.

The Crown Prince referred to the great opportunities that necessitate the two nations to work together for the interests of both peoples, the region, and the whole world.

In turn, the Russian President lauded the deep relations and cooperation between the two countries, praising the joint achievements over the past seven years.

He indicated that he looked forward to the Crown Prince’s visit to Russia, saying the next meeting should occur in Moscow.

Putin recalled that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognize Saudi Arabia, asserting that the significant development and qualitative leap in the relations and capabilities was achieved thanks to the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed.

Putin referred to the close cooperation between the two countries on many levels, citing the importance of sharing assessments and evaluations on the latest international developments.

The meeting of the two parties addressed the bilateral relations, reviewed the prospects for developing cooperation in various fields, and discussed the latest regional and global developments.

The Saudi Crown Prince and the Russian President also held a bilateral meeting, reviewing several issues of common interest.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.