Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will mark a historic moment for both countries on February 19, the centenary of their bilateral diplomatic relations. On this day in 1926, the Soviet Union became the first state to recognize the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies, the polity that would go on to become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of its founding monarch, King Abdulaziz. This historic step laid the foundations for strong bilateral ties that the two countries would develop as equals on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
Russian-Saudi relations have followed a long trajectory of success. Today, our multifaceted cooperation effectively amounts to a strategic partnership; here, the role of dialogue and confidence between the leaders of our two countries cannot be ignored. Key milestones include Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s first visit to Moscow in 2003 and President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to Saudi Arabia in 2007- a first in the history of our bilateral relations.
Cooperation between our two countries has further enhanced since the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, ascended to the throne in 2015. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also played a key role in this regard. Russia understands the value of his tireless efforts to ensure the comprehensive political, social and economic modernization of the Kingdom.
The long-standing upward trajectory of our bilateral engagement accelerated further following King Salman’s first visit to Moscow in October 2017, which President Putin reciprocated in October 2019 before making another trip to the Kingdom in December 2023. All of these junctures have strengthened our broadening relations.
Tangible forms of cooperation between Russia and Saudi Arabia have evolved remarkably over the past few years. The Joint Russian-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is the primary framework through which this cooperation has progressed. The Russian-Saudi Business Council has also done effective work, facilitating direct contacts between the business communities of our two countries. As a result, bilateral trade has increased steadily, and new joint projects are underway in industry, agriculture, and other promising sectors.
The energy sector remains a core priority. As two of the world’s largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia and Russia safeguard the stability of the global economy through close coordination of their efforts. Russia and Saudi Arabia jointly launched OPEC+, bringing OPEC together with other oil-producing states. OPEC+ has taken steps to limit crude oil production and make adjustments flexibly, containing volatility and enhancing predictability in the oil market.
Our countries have also taken important practical steps to strengthen business. We have had regular direct flights between Moscow and Riyadh since August 2025, with flights from Moscow to Jeddah added in December 2025.
Of particular significance is the agreement between the governments of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on mutual visa exemptions, which was signed in Riyadh on December 1, 2025, on the sidelines of the ninth session of the Russian-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission. The agreement is expected to be implemented shortly, making Russians the first citizens outside the Gulf Cooperation Council to be granted visa-free entry to Saudi Arabia.
These efforts, which complement the trade and economic objectives of our cooperation, provide a tangible boost to tourism and business, as well as scientific and social engagement. Religious travel occupies a special place in this regard: each year, some 25,000 Russian Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, and tens of thousands visit to perform Umrah.
Cultural exchange also plays an increasingly prominent role. Saudi Arabia recently took part in the revived international music competition Intervision, held in Russia in September 2025. The Saudi leadership has also subsequently decided to host Intervision 2026 in the Kingdom. Russia is fully prepared to share its experience and provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this event.
As Ambassador of the Russian Federation, I am particularly keen on underscoring our close coordination in foreign policy and within bodies like the United Nations and the G20. Our positions on most global and regional issues either coincide or are closely aligned, as we are united by a firm commitment to all the interconnected and indivisible principles of the UN Charter, our respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of the world’s nations, and our recognition of nations’ right to independently pave their path toward political, social and economic development.
This mutually respectful dialogue on equal footing over the course of a century does not merely allow us to take pride in what has been achieved. It also enables us to look to the future with confidence and optimism. At a time when our countries face new and increasingly difficult challenges resulting from various global political shifts, Russia will continue to work side by side with its Saudi partners, seeking to realize the full potential of our strategic partnership, serve the interests of our two peoples, and reinforce regional and global security and stability.
