RIYADH: Following an official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Saudi Arabia this week, during which he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday gave details of areas of future cooperation between the two countries.
According to a joint statement, the leaders discussed historical and strategic relations between their countries and ways in which they might be further developed. The Russian president also congratulated the crown prince on the successful Saudi bid to host World Expo 2030.
They exchanged views on several current regional and international issues. Regarding Sudan, they stressed the importance of building on the Jeddah Declaration, which was signed on May 11 with the aim of protecting civilians during the conflict in the North African country.
On Iran, Putin welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran and expressed hope that this would lead to enhanced stability and security in the region.
Both sides also stressed their full support for regional and international efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen.
Turning to economic matters, the two leaders said they were keen to enhance mutual and joint investments in their countries. They welcomed a 46 percent increase in the volume of bilateral trade in 2022, compared with 2021, and affirmed their intentions to continue to work together to enhance and diversify trade relations.
The crown prince and president also commended the level of joint investments in industrial initiatives, including projects worth SR300 million ($80 million) to establish four factories in Jubail and Yanbu. In the energy field, they welcomed the close cooperation between their nations and the successful efforts of OPEC+, of which both are members, to provide stability in global oil markets. They said it is important that this cooperation continues and stressed the need for all member states to adhere to OPEC+ agreements, to help support the growth of the global economy.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation across the oil and gas industry, including in areas such as research and development, procurement, supply, and the standardization of equipment.
They also agreed on the need for cooperation in the geoscientific field and the exchange of know-how in geological, mining and environmental studies, to mutually benefit sectors under the Kingdom’s National Industrial Strategy.
The crown prince and the president discussed cooperation related to the environment, water, agriculture, food security, communications, technology, the digital economy and innovation. Other areas in which they talked about joint initiatives included the judiciary and justice, sustainable tourism, and the development of efforts to boost the exchange of tourists between the two countries.
Other topics included sports, higher education, research, medical training, technical and vocational training, and the teaching of the Arabic and Russian languages, as well as cooperation in the media and health sectors.
They agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation in international organizations and forums, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the G20, to help confront global economic challenges.
Regarding the current situation in Palestine, the leaders said the only way to achieve security and stability there is through the implementation of international resolutions relating to a two-state solution so that the Palestinian people can achieve their legitimate right to establish an independent state. Russia commended the Kingdom for its efforts in hosting the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh on Nov. 11.
Turning to the crisis in Ukraine, Russia expressed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance provided by Saudi Arabia and the political efforts undertaken by the crown prince.
In conclusion, the Russian president thanked the prince for the “warm reception and generous hospitality” his delegation received.
Putin traveled to the UAE earlier on Wednesday, where he was received by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan at Qasr Al-Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi.
