RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Russia and Saudi Arabia expressed concern on the present situation in Gaza and said that a two-state solution is the only way to ensure peace in the region. The two countries issued a joint statement at the conclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia.
The two sides discussed the developments in Palestine and expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
The two countries stressed the need to stop military operations in the Palestinian territories, and the need to protect civilians in accordance with international law.
President Putin visited the Kingdom on December 6.
The two countries stressed on the need to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
President Putin congratulated Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Arabia winning the bid to host World Expo 2030.
The volume of bilateral trade in 2022 increased at a rate of 46 percent compared to the year 2021.
The two leaders affirmed their intention to enhance and diversify trade and intensify communication between the private sectors in the two countries.
Both sides commended the close cooperation between the two countries and the successful efforts of the OPEC+ countries in enhancing the stability of global oil markets.
They stressed on the importance of continuing this cooperation in a way that serves the interests of producers, consumers and supports the growth of the global economy.
The two sides also welcomed the success of the eighth session of the Saudi-Russian Joint Committee, which was held in October 2023 in Moscow, to enhance the close cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to cooperate in procurement, supplying and standardizing equipment in the field of oil and gas.
They also decided to enhance ties in research and development services in oil , gas, and petrochemicals, evaluating the use of modern technologies in this field between companies in the two countries.
They also decided to cooperate in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, electricity and renewable energy including solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
The two sides also decided to cooperate in the geoscientific field and knowledge exchange, which contributes to increasing geotechnical capabilities through geological, mining and environmental studies.
They decided to benefit from investment opportunities in the sectors targeted in the Kingdom’s National Industrial Strategy, including pharmaceutical industries and medical devices.
They also decided on cooperation in environment, water, agriculture and food security, communications, technology and digital economy, innovation, space, transportation and logistics.
Both the countries decided to start discussions on a cooperation agreement in the judicial field regarding civil and commercial matters.
The two sides decided to enhance ties in sustainable tourism, developing tourism movement, sports, education, higher education, research and innovation, medical training, technical and vocational training between the two countries.
The two countries also decided to enhance the teaching of Arabic and Russian languages.
Russia and Saudi Arabia also decided to improve the ties in the field of health.
The Russian side welcomed the launch of the “Saudi Green Initiative” and the “Middle East Green initiative”.
Russia also affirmed its support the circular carbon economy approach launched by the Kingdom and approved by the leaders of the G20 countries.
The two sides stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the necessity of developing and implementing climate agreements by focusing on emissions rather than sources.
The two sides expressed their desire to maximize the use of local content in energy sector projects, cooperate to stimulate innovation, apply emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence in the energy sector, and develop its ecosystem.
The two sides commended the level of joint investments between the two countries in industrial projects in the Kingdom, including factories in the cities of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, with investments amounting to SAR300 million.
The two sides agreed to enhance defense cooperation in a way that supports and achieves common interests between the two countries.
They affirmed their desire to strengthen existing security cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest, including combating crimes, terrorism, extremism and their financing.
The two sides affirmed their determination to strengthen and coordinate bilateral international cooperation among their relevant agencies to combat cross-border corruption crimes in all its forms, prosecute their perpetrators, and recover proceeds obtained from corruption crimes, by benefiting from the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network).
The Russian side welcomed the Kingdom’s hosting of the (fourth) Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, scheduled to be held in November 2024.
The two sides agreed on strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two countries in global organizations, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the G20, to confront the economic challenges that the world is facing.
The two sides renewed their determination to continue coordination and intensify efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security.
On Ukraine, the Russian side expressed its appreciation for the humanitarian and political efforts undertaken by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, including the release of a number of prisoners of different nationalities, and the ongoing efforts in this regard.
The two sides stressed their full support for the international and regional efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.
The Russian side commended the Kingdom’s efforts to encourage dialogue and reconciliation between the Yemeni parties.
It also commended the projects provided by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction for Yemen.
The Russian side welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Iran.
The two sides stressed the importance of Iran’s commitment to the peacefulness of its nuclear program and transparent cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The two sides commended the decision of the Arab League to resume the participation of Syrian Government delegations in the meetings of the Council of the Arab League and its affiliated organizations and bodies.
They said that this would contribute to supporting the stability and territorial integrity of the Syria, resolving the crisis and facilitating the safe voluntary return of the refugees to their country.
The two sides stressed on the importance of the Jeddah Declaration (Commitment to Protect Civilians in Sudan), signed on May 11, 2023, and the humanitarian arrangements within the framework of international law, signed on May 20, 2023, to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan and return to political dialogue between all parties.
The two sides welcomed the progress achieved in the second round of the Jeddah talks on November 7, 2023, and the resumption of dialogue between the two parties to the conflict in Sudan, with the aim of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities, in a way that contributes to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The Russian side commended the Kingdom’s efforts in evacuating a number of nationals of brotherly and friendly countries from Sudan, and the relief and humanitarian assistance provided to the Sudanese people.
At the conclusion of the visit, President Putin expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to him and his accompanying delegation.