Russian FM Lavrov, Saudi FM Discusses Bilateral Relationship at OPEC+
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RUSSIA-SAUDI-DIPLOMACY
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud hold a joint press conference following their talks in Moscow on March 9, 2023.

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov talked with the Saudi FM in Moscow about the collaboration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with OPEC+ as their main concern, including the ongoing Ukraine War that has been raging for a year, TASS reported.

Russian FM Lavrov Talks with Saudi FM Al Saud

The Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud went to Moscow last Thursday for the fifth occasion as more interaction with the KSA reported Almayadeen.

Al Saud mentioned the goal of the interaction of KSA and Moscow is to end the Ukraine conflict by finding a solution that is acceptable to both warring parties. Cites what he calls initiatives in the past that included an exchange of POWS. Opportunities to get both to the table is a priority, cited Urdupoint.

Foreign Minister Lavrov lauded the involvement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in arranging the significant swap of POWS. It marked a positive development during the conflict.

Mentioned in the joint statement between Lavrov and Al Saud is the controversial grain deal export deal which was implemented. Due to problems that have affected the deal with negotiations to extend it further.

The Russian FM gave his opinions about the grains deal that has been colored by prior developments. Saying that if the deal is referenced that should be a packaged deal. What can be renewed with what is in progress. Warned that it's a no-go to extend it if all the conditions are not met.

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As usual, the west is trying to force Moscow to accept compromises that are refused as it sees the west as a key supporter of the Ukrainian. A demand to demilitarize the Zaporzhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) is objected to that is not part of the grains deal.

OPEC+ in Major Cooperative Effort

A major move that Moscow and Riyadh are major participants in the organization which wields influence in the oil sector.

He added that they are both ready to work together in the oil boy with its established rules and processes. The majority of the members in the platform are complying with their obligations and how the market is kept stable. Energy is crucial for everyone and should not allow shocks like now.

More Obstacles to Peace

Ukraine has not assured the safety of the Zaporozhye NPP by blocking any deal to have a buffer zone around. It has been allegedly attacked by the AFU despite the dangers to everyone.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres went to Ukraine recently and said the grains deal should include the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This is not agreeable to the Kremlin and the UN is losing credibility.

Another is the claim of the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi that Ukraine wants to demilitarize. It has been mentioned for many months that it become a safety zone. The Russian FM said he worked with the IAEA director general but that is what's happening now.

Lavrov noted it will not work because Guiterres acting as an agent of Zelensky, not as a UN Official. Stated that nothing will happen if it allows Zelensky to dictate anything,

FM Lavrov met with the Saudi FM to discuss the OPEC+ and other concerns which are relevant to the bilateral relationship.

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