Mohammed Bin Salman: Putin meeting in Sochi

On 11 October, defence minister Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) met Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said they discussed bilateral ties and steps towards peace in Syria. While his Saudi counterpart Adel Al-Jubeir noted Riyadh’s concern over Russian military operations in Syria, he said the kingdom would increase co-operation with Russia to fight ‘terrorism’. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Putin thoroughly explained Russia’s position on Syria to MBS and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who was also visiting Sochi, Putin’s favoured sporting resort.