In a striking display of diplomatic unity, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan declared that Riyadh welcomes Russia’s role in Middle Eastern affairs during a high-profile press conference with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The comment signals a major shift in Gulf geopolitics, showing Saudi Arabia's increasing tilt toward Moscow as regional dynamics evolve. Lavrov and Farhan met at the Russian MFA Reception House, emphasizing cooperation on regional security, energy, and investment. Farhan praised Russia’s involvement as “always welcome,” underlining a growing partnership despite global Western efforts to isolate Moscow. The press conference further confirms Russia's expanding clout in the Gulf as the Kremlin strengthens alliances outside the West. The talks come amid heightened tensions in the region, and suggest Saudi Arabia is now playing a more independent, multi-vector diplomatic game — balancing its ties between Washington, Moscow, and Beijing.
