Russia and Saudi Arabia sign nuclear cooperation agreement

Russia and Saudi Arabia signed a cooperation agreement regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy on Thursday during the International Economic Forum in St Petersburg. The signing of the agreement came ahead of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Defence Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on the sidelines of the forum.

The Director of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, Hashim Abdullah Yamani, signed the agreement on behalf of Saudi Arabia, while the General Manager of Rosatom, Kiriyenko Searlaga, signed for the Russians.

Putin announced that he has accepted an invitation to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, pointing out that he has also invited Saudi’s King Salman to visit Russia.

“We regard Russia as one of the important states in the contemporary world,” said the deputy crown prince as he extended the invitation to Putin, “and our relations have roots in the past.” He reminded those present that Moscow was the first national capital to recognise the kingdom. “We will aim to develop bilateral relations in all sectors,” he added.