Within a framework of political consultations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation Republic, Adel bin Ahmad Al-Jubeir, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held here today official talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed ways of enhancing them in all fields, particularly in the economic and commercial fields. They also reviewed stances' coordination towards regional and international issues of common interest and the two countries' efforts in combating terrorism and extremism. Following the meeting, Al-Jubeir and his Russian counterpart held a joint press conference. Al-Jubeir stressed that the relations with Russia are important, lauding depth of bilateral existing relations. He stressed that the leaderships of the two countries seek to enhance and strengthen the relations in all fields. Al-Jubeir disclosed that the relations between the two countries, during the last two years, witnessed great achievements regarding investment, trade and exchanging visits among businesspersons as well as cooperation and coordination towards the oil market and other fields, lauding the Russian role supporting the Palestinian Cause. With regard to discussions between the two sides, Adel Al-Jubeir said that they reviewed peace process in the Middle East and importance of reaching a comprehensive and just solution based on the UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. He added that they also focused on the situation in Syria and the importance of maintaining Syria's unity and finding a political solution for the Syrian crisis on the basis of the (Geneva 1) Declaration and the Security Council resolution no. 2254. On the situation in Yemen, Al-Jubeir pointed out that the two sides discussed importance of finding a solution regarding the Yemeni crisis based on the Security Council resolution no. 2216, outputs of the Yemeni national dialogue and the GCC initiative. He stressed that the talks dealt with cooperation between the two countries in addressing extremism and terrorism. For his part, the Russian Foreign Minister said that the two sides held very useful and constructive talks, pointing out that the two countries agree on the threat of international terrorism, particularly the so-called (ISIS), which directly threatens the security of regional countries. He pointed out that the two countries have the capability to make a positive impact on the efforts of the international community to settle regional crises, including in Syria, Yemen and several other countries. "We stand together on overcoming stagnation in Palestinian-Israeli relations by promoting a two-state solution and other principles sealed in international law, such as the Arab Peace Initiative proposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said. The Russian Foreign Minister reaffirmed the growing importance of strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States, thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its attention to Russian pilgrims. Following the press conference, the Russian Foreign Minister held luncheon in honor of the Saudi Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation. The talks were attended by a number of officials.
