The Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sergei Kozlov, indicated that Moscow and Riyadh are moving toward a strategic partnership that could redefine their collaboration on global issues. He noted that the two capitals share a broad convergence of positions on many international questions, signaling a deepening alignment at the diplomatic level. This assessment underscores the evolving trajectory of bilateral ties and the potential for closer coordination on regional and international matters. The remark appeared in the context of ongoing diplomatic exchanges that emphasize shared interests and mutual respect between Moscow and Riyadh, even as both capitals pursue broader regional strategies and global engagements.
Earlier remarks from Yevgeny Ivanov, the Russian foreign minister and deputy head of the ministry, highlighted Moscow’s efforts to broaden people-to-people and business mobility by pursuing visa-free regimes with a number of partners. Ivanov explained that negotiations are underway to establish visa-free entry for Russian citizens with several Gulf states, including Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader push to simplify travel for travellers and businessmen. The discussions reflect Russia’s broader aim to normalize cross-border movement with key partners in the Middle East and to foster easier access for tourism and commerce.
In addition to Gulf states, Ivanov mentioned ongoing work to draft visa-free arrangements with Mexico and Malaysia, as well as a selection of Caribbean island nations. This expansion signals a wider strategy to encourage international exchange, tourism, and professional mobility across diverse regions. Such agreements are seen as a practical step toward reducing bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating smoother travel for citizens, investors, and professionals who seek to conduct business, study, or visit family across borders.
Diplomats also indicated that the study of visa-free regimes for Russian citizens extends to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Zambia. The consideration of these arrangements points to a coordinated approach, balancing security considerations with the benefits of easier international travel and enhanced people-to-people contact. The ongoing exploration of visa-free options highlights Moscow’s intent to diversify its international mobility framework while building closer ties with key partners in the Middle East and beyond.
Prior statements from Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov confirmed that Russia is actively pursuing visa-free regimes with many Persian Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The push to broaden visa-free access is framed as part of a broader strategy to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement with the Gulf region, supporting greater trade, investment, and educational exchanges. These discussions are conducted with an emphasis on practical outcomes, aiming to streamline entry processes for citizens and to enable smoother collaboration on a range of issues from energy to culture.