Prince Faisal and Lavrov discuss Saudi-Russian relations

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. (SPA and Reuters)
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Updated 13 February 2026
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Prince Faisal and Lavrov discuss Saudi-Russian relations

  • Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the two foreign ministers discussed ways to ‘enhance areas of joint cooperation’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov reviewed bilateral relations during a phone call on Friday.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said they discussed ways to “enhance areas of joint cooperation” and “addressed a number of issues of mutual interest."

Russia’s foreign ministry said they also discussed the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, Iran, and Yemen.

“They underscored the importance of maintaining a dynamic political dialogue between Moscow and Riyadh, as well as intensifying joint efforts to develop trade, economic, investment, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” the Russian ministry said.

They also discussed preparations for the 100th anniversary next week of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia.


First Saudi State’s economy laid foundation for modern stability

Updated 23 February 2026
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First Saudi State’s economy laid foundation for modern stability

  • Revived commerce in Arabian Peninsula, according to historian
  • Diriyah highlighted as premier political and commercial center

RIYADH: The economy of the First Saudi State served as a fundamental pillar in building the nation, consolidating its influence, and ensuring its stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The main features of this economy is outlined in the book “Diriyah: Origins and Development during the First Saudi State,” by Dr. Abdullah Al-Saleh Al-Othaimeen, the SPA reported.

The measures taken in those early days helped to ensure security, unify regions, and organize society. This assisted in stimulating trade, stabilizing markets, and enhancing life in Diriyah and surrounding areas.

 

Beyond its political and intellectual prominence, Diriyah emerged as a vibrant economic hub. (SPA)

The book, published by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, outlines how these actions facilitated the arrival of caravans, secured vast trade routes, and revived commerce across the Arabian Peninsula.

Beyond its political and intellectual prominence, Diriyah emerged as a vibrant economic hub. Its markets attracted merchants and students from across the region.

The local community relied on diverse activities including trade, agriculture, and livestock breeding, with horses and camels playing crucial roles in transportation, commerce, and securing roads.

Economic growth during this founding phase “solidified Diriyah’s position as a premier political and commercial center in the Arabian Peninsula,” the SPA reported