Moscow: Saudi Arabia and Russia on Friday affirmed the priority of a peaceful settlement of regional issues, stressing the need to reach a comprehensive solution for the Palestinian cause and confront nuclear challenges in the region through dialogue. At a joint press conference in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan reiterated his country's keenness to exert efforts to settle differences by diplomatic means, expressing gratitude for Russia's stance on the Palestinian cause.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Saudi foreign minister emphasized the importance of international efforts to establish a comprehensive and just peace based on the establishment of a Palestinian state on the borders of the fourth of June 1967. He also noted the significance of a diplomatic approach in addressing the Iranian nuclear issue, acknowledging Russia's support for negotiated solutions.
Lavrov, on the other hand, highlighted the development of bilateral relations, revealing that the number of Saudi tourists to Russia increased by six times compared to last year, while 36,000 Russian tourists visited the Kingdom during the same period. He also addressed the Palestinian cause, stating that the situation in the West Bank mirrors that of Gaza, and reaffirmed Russia's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, encouraging direct negotiations to achieve this objective.
Furthermore, Lavrov expressed hope for the sustainability of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the Israeli occupation. He discussed the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that any resolution must consider Russia's legitimate security interests. Regarding communications with the United States, he indicated that Moscow would view Riyadh as a suitable platform for negotiations with Washington if a new dialogue were planned, while maintaining contacts with the US on the Iranian issue.
Concluding the conference, both nations agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation within the OPEC+ alliance framework to ensure the stability of global energy markets.