Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a rare trip abroad to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, where he is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

The meeting is expected to focus on oil production, OPEC+ cooperation, and regional conflicts, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Putin’s visit comes at a time of uncertainty in the global oil market, as prices have fallen despite production cuts agreed upon by OPEC+ members. 

The meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, is seen as an opportunity to reaffirm the stability of the oil market.

In addition to energy issues, Putin and MbS are expected to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Yemen, as well as the broader situation in the Middle East. 

The Kremlin has indicated that Ukraine will also be on the agenda.

Putin’s trip to Saudi Arabia marks his first face-to-face meeting with MbS since October 2019. 

It is also his first visit to the region since July 2022, when he met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Kremlin has emphasized the importance of close coordination between Russia and Saudi Arabia within OPEC+, stating that it is crucial for maintaining stability in the global oil market. 

“Close Russian-Saudi coordination in this format is a reliable guarantee of maintaining a stable and predictable situation in the global oil market,” the Kremlin said.