Russia is in favor of stepping up trade and economic, scientific and technical, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin wrote this in a congratulatory telegram to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on the occasion of the latter's appointment as head of the kingdom's cabinet.
"I am convinced that your work at the head of the government will contribute to the further development of traditionally friendly and partner Russian-Saudi relations. I confirm my readiness to work together constructively to build up trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. This fully meets the interests of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," reads the telegram, the text of which was published on Wednesday on the website of the Russian government.
Mishustin wished the Saudi crown prince good health, well-being and success in state activities.
Al Arabiya TV channel reported on Tuesday that Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had appointed the crown prince as prime minister. The monarch's decree, however, stressed that government meetings, which the king attends in person, will be chaired by him (the king).
Also by decree of the Saudi king, Khaled bin Salman bin Abdulaziz was appointed defense minister of the country.
Prior to these appointments, the king himself headed the cabinet, while the crown prince was Saudi Arabia's first deputy prime minister and defense minister.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS