MOSCOW: Saudi Arabia and Russia have stressed the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts to address current regional and international challenges, including the Palestinian issue and the situation in Yemen.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of ensuring security and freedom of navigation in international waterways, foremost among them the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The two sides held an official round of talks covering the full range of bilateral relations, the latest regional and international developments, and ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries across various fields.
#Moscow | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov. They held an official session of talks, during which they reviewed bilateral relations, discussed the latest regional and international… pic.twitter.com/h1RJARit1n
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 8, 2026
At the outset of the meeting, the Saudi Foreign Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to his Russian counterpart for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. He noted that the visit comes at an important time, as Saudi Arabia and Russia mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.
Saudi Arabia-Russia cooperation
The Foreign Minister said relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and shared interests, noting that Saudi-Russian cooperation now covers a broad range of political and economic issues.
Prince Faisal added that the partnership has played an important role in supporting the stability of global energy markets and achieving a balance that takes into account the interests of both producers and consumers.
He also highlighted its contribution to sustainable global economic growth, as well as the strengthening of economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Russian foreign minister, in his remarks, welcomed the foreign minister, affirming that Russia attaches particular importance to the current visit, especially as this year marks the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
He noted that the occasion provides a valuable opportunity to discuss the state of Russian-Saudi relations, which continue to develop year after year in the fields of trade, economy, investment, culture, and humanitarian cooperation. He also affirmed his country’s sincere desire to contribute to efforts to de-escalate tensions and address regional issues.
During the talks, the two sides reviewed the progress of Saudi-Russian relations and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, including efforts to de-escalate tensions and reduce the risk of further escalation.
Reforming international system
The talks underscored the importance of strengthening coordination and consultation in international forums, advancing multilateral action, and reforming the international system to better address global challenges and promote international peace and security.
At the conclusion of the talks, the two sides affirmed their aspiration to advance Saudi-Russian relations toward broader horizons, building on a century-long legacy of diplomatic relations and sustained cooperation and embarking on a second century of even greater ambition and broader cooperation.
They stressed that this would reflect the depth of the partnership between the two countries, serve their shared interests, and contribute to security, stability, development, and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Russia Sami Al-Sadhan, Director General of the European Department Ambassador Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad, and Foreign Minister’s Advisor Mohammed Alyahya.
