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Putin to visit Riyadh in two weeks, says Saudi ambassador

The ambassador also pointed to the intensification of contacts between Moscow and Riyadh

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Riyadh are underway, it will take place in a fortnight, Saudi Ambassador to Russia Raed Khaled Qrimli told reporters at a news conference on Monday.

"Mr. Putin was the first Russian head of state to pay an official visit to Saudi Arabia in February 2007," the diplomat recalled. "We are looking forward to the Russian leader’s second visit to Riyadh, which will take place in the next two weeks."

"My country attaches great importance to that visit, since President Putin is a unique leader who plays a very important role on the world stage," he stressed.

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Lavrov discusses preparations for Putin's visit to Riyadh with Saudi foreign minister

The ambassador also pointed to the intensification of contacts between Moscow and Riyadh. "Five Saudi delegations representing various government agencies visited Moscow last week alone," he said, adding that Saudi Arabia’s energy minister will pay a visit to Moscow in the coming days.

The organizers of the Russian Energy Week international forum earlier reported that Saudi Energy Minister, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, would take part in its session on October 3.

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