Saudi King Salman Leaves Russia in Excellent Spirits
On Wednesday evening Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived in Russia on a first-ever state visit. The next day Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with the Saudi monarch in the Kremlin.
This was the first personal meeting between the leaders of the two countries, though they had repeatedly spoken on the phone. Putin thus continues to seek peace in the Middle East, taking into account the balance of interests of all countries in the region. This policy appears to be successful, because Russia is now the world's only country that has good relations with Saudi Arabia, and Iran, and Israel, and Turkey, and Iraq, and of course with Syria. And everyone pins hopes on Moscow for peace and prosperity.
The very fact of the visit of the King of the Saudis to the Kremlin means the recognition of the new, significant role that Russia has been playing in the 21st century globally and the Middle East in particular, and at the same time the recognition of the importance of diplomacy per Se. Alexander Balitsky is reporting on the event.
The historical meeting is held in the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin. And this handshake that will be immediately featured in all the world's newspapers. It's for the first time ever that the King of Saudi Arabia, who leaves the Arabian Peninsula extremely rarely, flies to Russia. And the solemnity of the reception corresponds both to the status of the visit and its political significance.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: «In 1926, 90 years ago, even more, our country, the Soviet Union at that time, was the first state to recognize the newly formed Kingdom created by your father Abdulaziz bin Al Saud. And now we are very pleased to receive you here».
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia: «We are happy to visit your friendly country. We are striving to strengthen bilateral relations in the interests of peace and security, in the interests of developing the world economy».
Whether the Kremlin protocol service made the right guess choosing the so-called "green" hall is unknown, But the Saudi side certainly appreciated it, as, after all, it's the color of Islam and the state flag of the kingdom.
And the fact that Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the 25th son of the founder of the kingdom, speaks about the bilateral relations in the context of the world economy for a reason. Russia and Saudi Arabia produce a quarter of the world's oil. They directly influence all markets.
A year ago Moscow and Riyadh agreed to stabilize prices, but first to cut back on production, which enabled the OPEC agreement. And, obviously, tackling oil issue is inevitable during the talks. Putin had been asked about this at a meeting with the energy business captains.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: «What we did together with OPEC is beneficial for the entire world economy, I believe. Whether we will prolong these agreements or not, will depend on the situation on the world market. In principle, it's possible».
Stabilization of oil revenues in many ways allowed for mutual investment. Both countries have grandiose plans. Moscow and Riyadh sign a dozen and a half contracts valued at billions. But the focus is on military-technical cooperation. The Saudis already showed interest in T-90 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, helicopters. As a result, they agree that Kalashnikov assault rifle will be assembled under license, as well as cartridges.
But the main thing, though not officially announced, but leaked to the press, is the general readiness of Riyadh to buy Russian S-400 air defense missile system. Until recently it seemed impossible. Traditionally, the Saudis are the main US allies in the region.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: «We do have certain differences, our visions differ regarding which solution could successfully solve a problem. But do you know what our advantage is? It's not only in relations with Saudi Arabia but with many other countries in the region. You can ask our partners if you wish. Our advantage is that we never double-deal with anyone. We are always honest in relationships with our partners. We voice our opinions openly. I think this, and not our military potential, is exactly what motivates our partners to develop relations with Russia».
In a few decades, Riyadh has turned from a Bedouin village lost in the sands into a powerful financial center, ready to invest in projects globally. High technologies create legends about the Saudis' lifestyle. And now one of the world's most closed monarchies reveals it to the Russian documentaries almost for the first time.
Discovering Saudi Arabia. Not again, but for the first time. The kingdom's dignitaries speak on business and life. The first oil well, which placed the country on the geopolitical giants' pedestal. And Sholokhov's books that are read here. The authors of the film, which is to be broadcast on Russia 24 shortly, showed even the places, which not every Bedouin can reach.
One could see the Saudi culture these days in Moscow, too. Opening its face to Russia, Saudi Arabia to some extent breaks stereotypes. Contrary to what it may seem, there aren't 99 names of Allah on these beads in the center of the exhibition. These are female names, traditionally it's a sign of disgrace to pronounce them. But the women decided to put an end to this, so now it is a kind of symbol of women's emancipation in Saudi Arabia.
As a result, Saudi women can already go in the cinema and even to the gym, even if tight curtains close them from prying eyes. And just a week before his visit to Moscow, King Salman signed a historic decree, allowing women to drive a car. Before that, the kingdom had been the only country in the world where it was banned. By the way, a quarter of the members in the King's Advisory Council, which is an analogue of the parliament, are women.
At the exhibition in Moscow visitors are told about new Arabian trends. Here you can make a virtual trip to Mecca, see the traditional mosaic, carpets that are sewn with oil threads.
Omar Kudri, Saudi International Communications Center official: "It's polyester, a petroleum derivative, too. And it's not just an ornament, it's "oil" in Arabic script. It sounds the same in Russian and Arabian».
Russia and Saudi Arabia also agreed to extract and process oil together. The world's largest oil corporation Saudi Aramco with scientific laboratories around the world will incorporate Russian technology. And it plans to buy Russian liquefied natural gas.
King Salman, whose official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is accompanied by a delegation of more than a thousand people.
Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian Direct Investment Fund head: "We cooperate not only in energy, but also agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, medicine, etc. For many Saudi businessmen this first visit to Russia is very important. And they even were very surprised that they hadn't interacted with Russian companies. We see that their eyes are shining".
Moscow and Riyadh create an Energy Investment Fund. Its volume is one billion dollars. The same amount accounts for a fund that will finance high-tech projects. Sounds complicated, but there are also understandable things: the construction of a toll road in Moscow, a high-speed tram in St. Petersburg, a children's clinic in Tatarstan.
Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Foreign Minister: "We cooperate with Russia as a friendly country. Of course, we respect international law and don't believe that our investments in Russia violate it. I think it is possible for the international community to agree to lift the sanctions. I believe it will happen soon".
Even before the visit of the Al Saud dynasty head to Moscow, it's been scrutinized by the Western press. Bloomberg even called Vladimir Putin "the new master" of the Middle East. The US losing its influence in the region, Russia is stepping up, including through actions in Syria.
After several hours of negotiations with Putin King Salman tells reporters about the desire to keep Syria united. The leaders didn't dwell on politics, but Putin called the dialogue fruitful.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: «It was a very informative conversation, very substantive and very confidential. I am sure that this visit will give a new powerful impetus to the development of bilateral interstate relations».
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia: «Our relations are characterized by the identity of views on many regional and international issues. We cooperate on everything that strengthens the security and prosperity of our states».
This big political conversation is to be continued. Putin accepted the invitation of King Salman to visit Saudi Arabia. Moreover, many issues, including security in the Middle East, are yet to be resolved. The implementation of large-scale economic projects depends on a strong political foundation to a large extent.
Alexander Balitsky, Alexander Berezhnoy and Ksenia Volkova for Vesti — News of the Week.