Saudi-Russian cooperation will grow within limits
Significance The two countries have in recent years intensified cooperation and deepened bilateral ties, after a slow thaw over two decades. The warmth of the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the recent G20 summit in Argentina was plain to see. Putin was clearly showing that Russia, unlike many other states, would not allow the killing of Jamal Khashoggi to influence Moscow’s ties with Riyadh. Impacts If Mohammed bin Salman’s path to the throne were to be blocked, Saudi-Russia relations would be damaged. Russian friendship with Saudi Arabia could persuade the kingdom to fund Syria’s reconstruction, even with Assad remaining in power. Growing Russian influence in Saudi Arabia could draw Islamist hostility in the kingdom away from the West. Royal opponents of the crown prince may perceive a danger of him emulating Putin’s aggressive and autocratic leadership style.