ST. PETERSBURG, June 18. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak plans a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 19.

"I hope Prince will arrive. Fundamentally, we had an agreement, and he confirmed his participation in case of no force majeure," Novak told reporters.

The Saudi minister usually participates in the SPIEF and meets Novak within the framework of the forum.

Russia and Saudi Arabia are the largest oil-producing nations and leaders of the OPEC+ group of countries, which have agreed on reducing output voluntarily, as well as compensating for excess production.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place on June 18-21. This year, the event is held under the theme "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World." Thematic zones such as the ‘Territory of Innovations’ and the national brand space ‘Buy Russian!’ operate at the Forum.

The program includes the SME Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the Day of the Future International Youth Economic Forum, the Drug Security Forum, and the Roscongress Urban Hub discussion platform. As part of the cultural program, the Petersburg Seasons festival will be held, and the SPIEF Sports Games will take place.

The Roscongress Foundation is the organizer of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. TASS is its information partner.