A meeting between Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud took place in the Saudi King’s al-Yamamah Palace

Photo: Kremlin.ru

A meeting between Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud took place in the Saudi King’s al-Yamamah Palace.

Beginning of Russian-Saudi talks

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!

Photo: Kremlin.ru