Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to visit Saudi Arabia

Moscow, Apr 5: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced after his talks with Saudi National Security Council secretary Prince Bandar Bin Sultan that he would visit Saudi Arabia, in May.

''What interests us most is cooperation with your country in regional issues, an area which faces an ever-growing number of problems. We believe that Russia and Saudi Arabia have similar positions on these matters and are doing their best to avoid steps that could destabilise the situation or heighten tensions,'' Mr Lavrov said yesterday.

He also praised the process of dialogue and contacts between the two countries since the Saudi King's visit to Russia three years ago.

''Our leaders hold regular telephone conversations and exchange messages on bilateral and crucial international issues,'' he pointed out, adding that ''The business circles of the two countries are actively cooperating.'' Stressing that a number of joint projects hold promise, Mr Lavrov said the two counties ''have a successful record of cooperation in space exploration and transport.''

On his part, Prince Bin Sultan said the Saudi King Abdullah attached great importance to relations with Russia and his talks with President Vladimir Putin had a positive influence on the development of bilateral relations.

UNI