The forthcoming visit of Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, to Russia will offer a unique opportunity for the two countries to strengthen political, economic and cultural relations, according to the Saudi Ambassador to Russia, Mohammad Hassan Abdul Wali.
In an interview with Saudi Gazette and Okaz newspapers, published today, the Ambassador said that the four-day visit, commencing on 1 September, would result in the signing of a number of agreements. He described the visit as ‘historic,’ and said that the leaders of the two countries will discuss important regional and global issues.
Crown Prince Abdullah will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which will focus on means of enhancing bilateral relations, recent developments in Palestinian occupied territories, and the future of Iraq.
“The two countries will crystallize their stance on several regional issues. Russia is one of the sponsors of the Madrid Peace Conference. Therefore, it has a significant role in the Middle East peace process,” the Saudi Ambassador said.
Speaking on Saudi-Russian relations, he said that at both official and popular levels, there is a desire for strong relations between the two countries, to which Foreign Minister Prince Saudi Al-Faisal has often referred. “All the developments in bilateral relations pave the way for a strategic partnership between the two countries, which will have a positive impact on the region,” Abdul-Wali said.
He said that the Kingdom looks forward to opening horizons for further cooperation in oil and investment fields.
The delegation accompanying the Crown Prince will include several key ministers, including the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ali Al-Naimi. “Al-Naimi will sign a historic energy cooperation pact with Moscow, and seeks Russian cooperation with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).”
The Ambassador said that the Kingdom’s priority is to cooperate with the international community in the fight to combat terrorism.
Source: SPA
