'Until Death Do Us Part': Saudi Minister Hails Russia Ties, Says 'We Are Weathering All Storms'

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud hailed strong relationship with Russia and said both nations  are weathering all of storms, apprently referring to growing global conflicts.

The minister was speaking at 9th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Russian President Vladimir Putin was also present.

“From Covid to all of these storms, even today we are going through many crises and different phases, yet we are weathering all of these storms with a diligent commitement to each other as partner. Though I am Muslim and Russia is not Cathlic. We do go by until death do us part,” Salman Al Saud said, drawing applause from the gathering.

Around 20,000 guests from 130 countries said to be attending the three-day

annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. The event, also known as Russia’s Davos, was once Russia’s premier gathering to court Western investors and businesses.

Saudi Arabia is the official Guest Country at this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), a distinction that coincided with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Moscow. Reflecting the growing importance of bilateral ties, the kingdom dispatched a delegation of more than 200 officials and business leaders, led by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and including senior executives from Saudi Aramco, signalling a deepening partnership that extends well beyond energy cooperation.

Saudi-Russia Ties

The relationship between Russia and Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in the Middle East, has evolved significantly from the rivalry of the Cold War era into a pragmatic and increasingly institutionalised partnership. Today, the two countries are bound by shared economic interests, energy diplomacy and a mutual desire to play a larger role in an increasingly multipolar world order.

At the heart of the relationship is their cooperation within OPEC+, where Moscow and Riyadh have emerged as the alliance’s most influential members. Together, they have worked to stabilize global oil markets amid major disruptions, including the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and concerns over energy supplies. Their coordination was particularly important after the United Arab Emirates’ exit from OPEC+, with both countries leading efforts to maintain market stability and preserve the group’s influence.

For Russia, closer ties with Saudi Arabia support its broader strategy of strengthening relations with the Global South and reducing dependence on Western-led economic systems. For Saudi Arabia, the partnership offers greater strategic flexibility and helps diversify its international relationships beyond traditional Western allies.

Despite differences on some regional security issues, both countries have largely insulated their bilateral cooperation from geopolitical disagreements. Instead, they have focused on expanding trade, investment, energy coordination and cooperation in areas such as technology and alternative financial mechanisms, reflecting a long-term commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.