Russia welcomes Riyadh’s role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday that the Kingdom is seeking to strengthen and develop relations with Russia at all levels.

During a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, he looked forward to today’s discussions contributing to unifying visions and supporting bilateral relations.

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit follows a recent visit to Ukraine last Sunday.

Prince Faisal explained that he discussed with Lavrov the challenges affecting the world and exchanged views on the international crises. Prince Faisal commended the coordination between the two countries in various areas regarding the development of joint relations and coordination to meet international challenges.

For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov welcomed Saudi Arabia’s increased interest in participating actively not only in the settlement of regional and “but international issues.”

The Russian minister said he saw the importance of “permanent and mutual” coordination between the two countries at the level of ministries and government bodies and in the areas of trade, economy and investment between Riyadh and Moscow. Lavrov added, “We always agree on the necessary steps to develop cooperation” between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

At a press conference of Saudi and Russian foreign ministers, following the round of closed talks, the Saudi foreign minister revealed that “the Kingdom is ready to do what is necessary to resolve the conflict in Ukraine”, explaining that “we are ready to facilitate dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.”

The Saudi minister welcomed Riyadh’s role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, stating that “Saudi Arabia’s position on the Ukrainian crisis is not limited by the exchange of prisoners.”

“(Ukrainian President Flodymyr) Zelenskiy refuses any dialogue.”