Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his historic official visit to Saudi Arabia today. The two-day visit was the first-ever by a Russian leader to the Kingdom.
Yesterday, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and President Putin held official talks at the King’s palace in Riyadh. The two leaders discussed a number of regional and international issues, especially Iraq and the Palestinian situation.
Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz and President Putin met today for discussions about Iraq and the Palestinian situation, as well as bilateral relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
During the president’s visit, Saudi Arabia and Russia signed several agreements on a range of issues, including a convention to avoid double taxation, an agreement on air traffic, an interbank agreement, and a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation. In addition, the official Saudi Press Agency signed a cooperation agreement with Ria Novosti, the Russian international news agency.
Last night, King Abdullah and Putin both attended the presentation ceremony of the King Faisal International Prize for service to Islam for 2007 to President Mintimer Shaimiev of Tatarstan.
Before leaving the Kingdom, President Putin inaugurated the Saudi-Russian Economic Forum.
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