Putin Hails King Salman’s ‘Historic’ Visit to Russia

Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia October 19, 2017. (Reuters)
Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia October 19, 2017. (Reuters)
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Putin Hails King Salman’s ‘Historic’ Visit to Russia

Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia October 19, 2017. (Reuters)
Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia October 19, 2017. (Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin described on Friday the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Russia earlier this month as “historic” because it was the first by a Saudi monarch.

There are no major differences between Russia and Saudi Arabia or between Russia and other regional countries, he said while attending the 14th Valdai Discussion Club in the city of Sochi.

“In fact, Saudi Arabia enjoyed good ties with the Soviet Union and there is not much that divides us right now. I see no reasons for disputes with the kingdom or any other countries in the region,” he continued.

“On the contrary, I have very good personal ties with all of these countries,” he declared.

“The visit demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s method in building its relations with Russia,” added Putin.

“It proves the existence of joint interests between Russia and Saudi Arabia whereby we coordinated our stance with the OPEC countries, starting with the Kingdom, in regards to stabilizing oil prices,” he stated.

“We are very pleased with the results of our collective work,” he stressed.

The Russian president also spoke of opportunities for military and technical cooperation with Saudi Arabia.



Saudi FM Holds Separate Phone Talks with Counterparts from Iraq, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi FM Holds Separate Phone Talks with Counterparts from Iraq, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Saturday from Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein.

The two officials discussed regional developments, with a particular focus on the Israeli military operations targeting Iran and their broader regional implications, the Saudi Press Agency said Saturday.

The Saudi minister also held separate phone conversations with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. Both discussions centered on the latest regional developments and their impact on regional and international security and stability.

Additionally, the Saudi minister spoke with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The two sides reviewed the situation in the region and emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions.