JEDDAH: Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, will begin an official visit to Russia on Wednesday and hold talks with President Vladimir Putin, a Royal Court statement said.
Prince Mohammed’s landmark visit to Moscow comes on the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the statement said, adding that the minister would meet with a number of Russian officials to explore prospects of expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The royal visit will witness the signing of a number of agreements in various fields and will contribute to further bolstering relations between the two countries, an official statement said.
Prince Mohammed had held talks with Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom Oleg Ozerov on regional developments during the past two months.
Saudi-Russian relations began in 1926 when the Soviet Union recognized Saudi Arabia, thus becoming the first foreign country to recognize the Kingdom. In 1930 the Soviet consulate was upgraded into an embassy.
High-level exchanges of visits played a big role in strengthening relations. King Faisal visited Soviet Union in 1932 when he was the deputy king. King Abdullah’s visit to Russia in 2003 -- when he was crown prince -- took the Saudi-Russian ties to new heights as he met with President Putin.
During that visit the two countries signed agreements for expanding cooperation in energy, science and technology. King Abdullah also opened an exhibition of Saudi products in Moscow, organized by the Council of Saudi Chambers.
King Salman visited Russia in 2006 -- when he was the governor of Riyadh -- and the visit contributed to further strengthening ties. Prince Sultan visited the country in 2007 when he was the crown prince and defense minister. Prince Sultan received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of International Relations in Moscow. That visit also expanded trade and economic ties.
The visit is in response to an invitation from the Russian government.
Deputy crown prince begins Russia visit tomorrow
Deputy crown prince begins Russia visit tomorrow
King Abdulaziz Camel Festival draws 3,000 foreign visitors
- Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom
RIYADH: The 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is drawing record numbers of international tourists, solidifying its reputation as a premier cultural and heritage event in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, which runs until Jan. 3, is a key feature of the country's cultural tourism offering. According to its organizers, more than 3,000 people from over 50 countries have already visited.
The festival combines a rich array of cultural and entertainment programs that introduce visitors to the world of camels, from their various breeds to their significance in Saudi heritage.
Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom.
Many visitors have expressed admiration for the quality of the festival’s organization and the hospitality they received, with some describing it as a “living museum,” the report said.
