Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been quoted by local reports as saying that economic cooperation is the backbone of interdependence between the countries of the Islamic world and Russia.
He was speaking at the Group of Strategic Vision Russia-Islamic World Meeting, being held in Jeddah under the theme Dialogue and Prospects for Cooperation.
He said there are opportunities to form strong economic partnerships between the two sides.
“Saudi Arabia stresses the importance of this meeting between the Islamic world and Russia in strengthening regional & international security and stability, and increasing joint cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism,” said the Saudi king.
The meeting was held in the presence of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, who is also head of the Group of Strategic Vision.
A number of officials, scholars, and intellectuals from the Russian Federation and countries of the Islamic world were also present in the meeting.
On the occasion, Minnikhanov also delivered a speech from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said Russia puts ample importance on developing friendly ties with Islamic countries, whether at the bilateral level or through dialogue with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Putin was quoted by Minnikhanov as saying, “Our stances regarding several difficult issues on the regional and international agenda are similar, which calls on us all to build a just and democratic world based on the rule of law and peaceful coexistence.”
Minnikhanov also quoted him as saying: “We also have cooperation issues in the commercial, economic, scientific and humanitarian fields that deserve a serious concern.”
Through him, Putin also said he hoped that “this joint action will enhance cooperation and mutual confidence.”