Putin Visits Middle East for Discussions on Oil with Saudi Crown Prince

Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a rare trip abroad, meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia to discuss oil production, OPEC+, and regional conflicts. The talks come amid falling oil prices, despite OPEC+'s commitment to cut output.

Putin's visit follows discussions in Abu Dhabi with the UAE's President, emphasizing their cooperation within OPEC+. The leaders are expected to address the Israeli-Hamas conflict, the situation in Ukraine, and broader regional stability.

The meeting holds significance as Putin's first face-to-face with MbS since 2019. The leaders, controlling a substantial share of global oil production, aim to navigate challenges within OPEC+ and maintain stable oil prices amid geopolitical uncertainties.