power play

RIYADH: Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Putin met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on arrival at Yamamah Palace in the Saudi capital.

Prince Mohammed praised joint coordination between the two countries “that helped remove tensions in Middle East,” Saudi Press Agency said.

“We share many interests and many files that we are working on together for the benefit of Russia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the world as well,” SPA quoted the crown prince as saying.

Putin said ties with Saudi Arabia were at an “unprecedented level” during the meeting.

This pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending a welcoming ceremony ahead of their talks in Riyadh on 6 December 2023. Picture: AFP