Russian President Vladimir Putin broke with tradition during Friday's plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) by handing the microphone to Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, who was seated in the audience rather than on stage with other speakers.
Lighthearted Exchange
"Magic! Mr President, magic does happen in St. Petersburg," the minister exclaimed upon receiving the microphone. "You are in Russia," Putin responded with a smile. The minister highlighted the resilience of Riyadh-Moscow relations, stating that they have withstood all crises.
'Until Death Do Us Part'
"We are weathering all of these storms with a diligent commitment to each other as partners... Although I am a Muslim and Russia is not Catholic, but still we do go by until death do us part," Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud concluded, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Putin, in turn, called Saudi Arabia a long-standing friend of Russia, explaining why the kingdom was made a guest of honour at the event. The exchange underscored the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
