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Saudi king accepts Putin's invitation to visit Russia — deputy crown prince

The prince said that Saudi Arabia considered Russia an important partner and recalled that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognize the kingdom in 1926

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia

© AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool

STRELNA, June 18. /TASS/. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has accepted President Vladimir Putin's invitation to visit Russia, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Dinister Mohammad bin Salman said on Thursday.

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"The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques confirms that he accepts the invitation to visit Russia," the prince said.

He has also invited Putin to visit Saudi Arabia on behalf of the king. The Russian leader said he would be happy to visit the country.

"I remember the warm reception I received in Saudi Arabia," Putin said.

The prince said that his country considered Russia an important partner and recalled that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognize the kingdom in 1926.

A diplomatic source told TASS earlier on Thursday that preparations for the king's visit were under way.

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Foreign policy Vladimir Putin Saudi Arabia

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