December 6, 2023

Riyadh

With Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Photo: Sergei Savostyanov, TASS

At the Conclusion of the Visit of Vladimir Putin to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a Joint Statement has been adopted.

Beginning of Russian-Saudi talks

Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (retranslated): We can find many topics and subjects of common interest, on which we are working together to promote stability and development around the world, including in the Middle East.

Over the past seven years, we have achieved a lot in our bilateral relations, for example, in the energy sector, investment and agriculture.

In addition, our political cooperation and interactions have had a positive influence on several Middle Eastern issues and helped enhance security. Moreover, our future political ties and cooperation will, no doubt, have a positive bearing on the international environment.

We have broad and far-reaching opportunities ahead of us, and by seizing them we can work together for the benefit of our nations and the entire world.

I would like to reiterate, Mr President, that you are a cherished guest here in Saudi Arabia. We welcome you on behalf of its government and its people.

Welcome!

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Thank you. Your Highness, first, I would like to thank you for the invitation.

We expected to see you in Moscow. I know that the circumstances have affected these plans. But, as I said, nothing can prevent the development of our friendly relations. Indeed, being in this region on a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates, I used your invitation to come and see you and all our friends that we have been vigorously developing our interaction with over the past seven years.

That said, the next meeting will hopefully take place in Moscow.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (retranslated): Of course, we are ready.

Vladimir Putin: Agreed.

Indeed, the Soviet Union was among the first to recognise the independent state of Saudi Arabia. This was almost a hundred years ago. Our relations have developed in different ways during this time.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud: I would like to note that it was the development of independence rather than the independence of a state that was recognised at that time.

Vladimir Putin: In any event, we respected the will of the subjects of Saudi Arabia to build their future independently.

Much has happened in our relations during this time, but over the past seven years, they have certainly reached a truly unprecedented level. This was achieved owing to the wise policy of your father, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King of Saudi Arabia with your direct participation.

We have stable, very good ties in political interaction, the economy and in humanitarian area.

And, of course, it is now very important for all of us to exchange information and views on what is taking place in the region. No doubt, our meeting is timely. Thank you very much for your invitation, once again.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud: Welcome!