The Russian leader expressed his hope that the high-level diplomatic mission from Saudi Arabia and joint diplomatic efforts by Russia and Saudi Arabia will help find a mutually acceptable solution to the troubled situation that has developed today both in Lebanon and in Palestine. In connection with this, Vladimir Putin restated Russia’s position, a position which condemns any attempts to resolve problems by resorting to terrorism. The state of Israel has the right to and should live in security, the Russian head of state emphasized.
In turn, Saud al-Faisal expressed his high appreciation of Russia’s position with respect to the Middle Eastern crisis and noted the affinities between the two countries’ approaches towards resolving regional problems.
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister noted that the fact that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved is at the basis of the current conflict in Lebanon. The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister considers the fact that Israel is putting political pressure on Palestine and extending the zones of conflict to neighbouring territories to have resulted in a political vacuum in Lebanon and the incapacity of Lebanese authorities to ensure stability and security in the country.
Saud Al-Faisal gave Vladimir Putin a message from the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdallah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, inviting the President of Russia to visit the Kingdom.
General Secretary of Saudi Arabia’s National Security Council Bandar bin Sultan participated in the talks from the Saudi side.
Secretary of the Security Council Igor Ivanov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Presidential Aide Sergei Prikhodko participated in the talks from the Russian side.