Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), on Wednesday (6/12) after visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During the meeting, Putin greeted the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the close friendship between the two countries.
“Nothing can hinder the development of our friendly relations,” Putin told MbS, as quoted by AFP on Thursday (7/12).
Putin stated that his meeting with MbS was an important step to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East.
“It is crucial for all of us to exchange information and assessments with you about what is happening in this region. Our meeting is certainly timely,” Putin said.
Meanwhile, MbS mentioned that the bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia had “helped alleviate much tension in the Middle East and contributed to improving security.”
MbS then affirmed that Saudi Arabia would continue this cooperation in the future.
This marks Putin’s third foreign trip since the Kremlin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His visit to the Middle East followed trips to Iran and China.
Putin’s foreign travel is part of Russia’s effort to reaffirm its position on the global stage and enhance its influence in the Middle East.
During the meeting with MbS, Putin even extended a direct invitation to the crown prince to visit Moscow.
The Kremlin stated that the two leaders met to discuss various issues, ranging from oil markets to ways to promote de-escalation in the Gaza conflict.
Before visiting Saudi Arabia, Putin was welcomed in the UAE to meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ).
He was greeted with a full cavalry escort, motorcade procession, and an air show depicting the Russian flag in the sky.
“Today, thanks to your attitude, our relations have reached an unprecedented level,” Putin told MbZ at the presidential palace.
Putin also stated that the UAE is Russia’s primary trade partner in the Arab world. According to the Kremlin, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record $9 billion last year.
During the occasion, Putin also mentioned that “several projects” are currently underway, especially in the oil and gas sector.
Putin’s visit to the Middle East comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Due to this arrest warrant, Putin did not attend the BRICS Summit in South Africa in August and the G20 Summit in India in September. South Africa and India are ICC member countries.
Both countries would be required to comply with the ICC’s order to arrest Putin if he set foot in their territory.
However, during his visits to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Putin is not at risk of arrest. This is because both countries have not ratified the Rome Statute, which is the foundation of the ICC.
Since the Israeli aggression in Palestine on October 7, amid Hamas attacks, Russia has repeatedly defended the Palestinian people.
Putin has even advocated for the independence of Palestine as the only best solution to end the recurring conflict between Israel and Hamas.
He also stated that the “ruling elites of the US” and their puppets are responsible for the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
Putin has even compared Israel to the Nazis due to its brutal aggression in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 16,000 Palestinians since October 7.
The death toll from the Israeli aggression in Palestine has even exceeded the casualties from Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.
