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MOSCOW, February 10 /TASS/. Russia and Saudi Arabia hold similar stances on international issues such as stabilization of the situation in Syria, struggle against terrorism and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), Russian Ambassador to Riyadh Oleg Ozerov told TASS.
"For the moment, we can be sure that Russia and Saudi Arabia hold identical or similar stances on the majority of international and regional problems such as non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD); organized crime, drug trafficking, trade in humans and the Arab-Israeli conflict," the Russian diplomat said.
"Our countries are united in condemning acts of terrorism and extremism. They cooperate, effectively and honestly, in the solution of these issues at international forums, including the United Nations, and in bilateral format.
According to him, Russia and Saudi Arabia do their best to prevent destructive forces like the Islamic State (a terrorist organization, which is banned in Russia) and other similar organizations from launching the mechanisms of conflict of civilizations and creating conditions for further constructive and mutually complementary dialogue among them.
"The two countries have enormous potential, which they will have to use," the Russian diplomat said.
As for the Syrian settlement, Ozerov said that both sides sought a political solution based on the Geneva communique and statements made by the International Syria Support Group.
"The sides use joint consultations to find common understanding on ways to resolve humanitarian problems in Syria and establish a ceasefire as well as on other priority issues essential for stabilizing the situation in Syria," the Russian diplomat explained.
"Russia and Saudi Arabia have had a common approach to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the creation of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East," the Russian diplomat went on to say. He added that the authorities in Riyadh had appreciated Russia’s role in finding a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear programme in 2015 and preventing the use-of-force scenario in the region," the Russian diplomat went on to say.
"Moscow and Riyadh agree that it is necessary to increase the UN role in the settlement of regional and international problems and strengthen the European security architecture on the basis of international law to be observed by all U.N. member states," Ozerov concluded.