Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for a whirlwind visit, diving straight into impromptu discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) covering topics ranging from oil to geopolitical concerns in Gaza and Ukraine.
The purpose of Putin’s rare international visit, especially amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, remained unclear, particularly regarding specific oil and geopolitical issues to be raised with the Crown Prince of the world’s largest crude exporter.
Putin expressed gratitude for MbS’s invitation, revealing that initial plans involved MbS visiting Moscow, but adjustments were made.
Putin emphasized the inevitability of furthering their friendly relations, proposing the next meeting to be held in Moscow.
Accompanied by top officials in oil, economy, foreign affairs, space, and nuclear energy, Putin’s delegation made a stop in Abu Dhabi before heading to Riyadh.
In Abu Dhabi, President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was hailed as a “dear friend,” with Putin acknowledging the unprecedentedly high level of relations between Russia and the UAE.
Putin highlighted the strong collaboration within OPEC+, where Russia and the UAE play significant roles in global oil production.
The visit also encompassed discussions on the Israeli-Hamas conflict and Ukraine.
Upon arriving in Riyadh, Putin engaged in face-to-face talks with MbS, marking their first meeting since October 2019.
The trip, hastily arranged shortly after a delayed OPEC+ meeting, hinted at the urgency of the discussions.
While the official agenda included oil, the aides mentioned additional topics like the Israel-Hamas conflict, Syria, Yemen, Gulf stability, and Ukraine.
Putin and MbS, overseeing a significant portion of global oil production, have maintained a close relationship despite occasional Western isolation.
Both leaders aim to secure high oil prices vital for their economies, raising questions about the distribution of this burden and its verification.
The Kremlin outlined a broad agenda covering regional conflicts and stability in the Gulf.
Putin, engaged in a perceived existential battle with the West since Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, has actively sought allies globally, including in the Middle East.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Russia within OPEC+ has faced challenges, with disagreements over production levels leading to the recent delay in the meeting.
Ensuring Moscow’s commitment to reducing fuel exports has been a point of contention.
As tensions persist in the Middle East, Putin has framed the Israel-Hamas conflict as a consequence of U.S. policy failure, strengthening ties with Arab allies, Iran, and the Palestinian militant group.
The visit underscores the intricate balance both leaders must maintain to navigate global oil dynamics and regional geopolitical challenges.
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