Russia Says Planning for Putin’s Trip to Saudi Arabia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Right) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Socchi, Russia, 11 October 2015 (File Photo: SPA)
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Right) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Socchi, Russia, 11 October 2015 (File Photo: SPA)
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Russia Says Planning for Putin’s Trip to Saudi Arabia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Right) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Socchi, Russia, 11 October 2015 (File Photo: SPA)
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Right) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Socchi, Russia, 11 October 2015 (File Photo: SPA)

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia is under consideration following an invitation from Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov told reporters on Friday.

"The visit is under consideration, its dates will depend on the president’s schedule," the senior Russian diplomat, who is also the Deputy Foreign Minister, was quoted as saying by TASS.

In October 2017, King Salman made an official visit to Russia and invited Putin to his country.

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir in Moscow on August 29.

"We consider the upcoming meeting between the two foreign ministers as part of regular and trust-based dialogue with our Saudi partners, which concerns a wide range of issues of mutual interest," she said.

She informed reporters that there will be a thorough discussion of the relevant aspects of Russia-Saudi relations and the implementation of agreements made during King Salman’s visit to Moscow in October 2017.

The spokeswoman indicated that there will be an exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa, with an emphasis on the need to resolve issues facing this region through political and diplomatic means, including dialogue based on mutual respect, taking in consideration the interests and concerns of all the parties involved.

"The meeting’s agenda includes the situations in Syria, Yemen, Libya and the Gulf area, as well as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," she noted, adding that the two foreign ministers would also discuss "the prospects for joint activities in relation to strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf states."

"The Russian-Saudi intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation has been playing an important coordinating role," Zakharova added.

The cooperation between Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Saudi Public Investment Fund has also been important for Moscow’s interaction with Riyadh, according to the spokeswoman.

“The Russian Culture Week, planned to be held in Saudi Arabia in the fall, will contribute to boosting humanitarian ties between the two countries," Zakharova concluded.



37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil

37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil
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37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil

37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil

The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims, organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, opened in Sao Paulo on Friday.

The three-day event is being held under the theme "Islamic Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Its Role in Preserving Identity" at the São Bernardo do Campo Municipal Council. It features the participation of ministers, scholars, researchers, and specialists from Arab and Islamic countries, as well as from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The opening ceremony began with a film introducing the conference, its mission, and the efforts of the Islamic Dawah Center in the region.

Head of the Islamic Dawah Center for Latin America and the Caribbean Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi delivered a speech expressing gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean.

He also highlighted the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ role in overseeing mosques and religious institutions in the region.

Federal Deputy of Brazil Vicente Paulo da Silva, speaking on behalf of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, emphasized the respect and prominent role of Muslims in Brazil’s development and prosperity.

He lauded the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Brazil, which is built on solidarity and mutual respect, and noted Brazil’s deep affection for Arabs, particularly through its ties with the Kingdom.

Delivering a speech on behalf of Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, the ministry's Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Enezi emphasized that knowledge forms the foundation of righteous deeds, enabling correct beliefs and worship practices.

He underscored the importance of Islamic education in clarifying misconceptions and promoting understanding to combat ignorance.

The opening session also included speeches from heads of delegations and participating missions, highlighting the significance of the conference’s timing and its thematic focus.