Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia and Russia are eager to bolster their relations to reflect their economic and political weight.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Kingdom by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, he noted that the two countries share common ground on energy and oil affairs, as well as the security and stability of the Middle East.
He described as “historic” the visit by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Russia two years ago. He also noted the frequent visits to Russia by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
These trips have “deepened and strengthened” relations between Riyadh and Moscow in all fields, stressed Jubeir in remarks to Russia Today.
He particularly underlined the development in relations in the past four years, notably in the energy file and in finding a settlement to the Syrian conflict.
Commenting on Putin’s hailing of Saudi Arabia’s role in pushing forward the settlement, he said: “We are working on implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 2254. We are also working with the negotiations committee to unite the Syrian opposition.”
He cited the recent formation of the constitutional committee in Syria, deeming it a positive step forward.
Jubeir had received in Riyadh on Sunday a Russian media delegation that will cover Putin’s trip to Saudi Arabia.
On Iran, he described as “incomplete” the account of the targeting of an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea on Friday.
He said parties should wait for more details to “before jumping to conclusions.”
He stressed that the Kingdom was not behind the attack.
“The Kingdom does not adopt such behavior and it never has,” he declared.
Riyadh had denied on Saturday claims that it was involved in the missile attack against the tanker, which was targeted off the Saudi coast.
The Kingdom underlined its commitment and keenness on the security and safety of marine navigation.
