Russia eyes Saudi Arabia as potential venue for new US negotiations

Russia is prepared to consider Saudi Arabia as a venue for future talks with the United States, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said, provided such meetings are agreed with Washington.

Speaking at a press conference following talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Lavrov described the Kingdom as a “hospitable and friendly platform” for dialogue, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are ready to consider this hospitable and amicable venue, as we did back in February when a meeting with a US delegation took place there at the suggestion of our American colleagues,” Lavrov said, as quoted by Interfax.

“I believe both we and the Americans felt entirely comfortable there. If new contacts are planned in the future, and if agreed with Washington, we will certainly keep Saudi Arabia in mind,” he added.

The remarks come amid efforts by Riyadh to play a more active diplomatic role in international affairs, including in mediating between major powers.

By Aghakazim Guliyev