Saudi king visits Putin after decades of rivalry

Thaw in relations seen in weapons contracts

MOSCOW — In a major break with decades of rivalry, Russia and Saudi Arabia on Friday struck a slew of deals, including contracts for Russian weapons as part of a groundbreaking first visit by a Saudi monarch.

The Kremlin talks between Saudi King Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin mark a thaw in relations between the countries, which often have been tense since the

Cold War times when the kingdom supported Afghan rebels fighting the Soviet invasion in the 1980s.

Observers say that Riyadh’s decision to boost ties with Moscow reflects the expanded clout Russia has won in the Middle East with its military blitz in Syria. And it shows the Saudis’ interest in keeping Russia signed up to a global deal to limit oil production.

Hosting the Saudi king in the ornate Kremlin interiors, Putin hailed his visit as a “landmark event” that will give a “strong impulse” to bilateral ties.

Salman said he was looking to expand relations “in the interests of peace, security and development of the world economy.”

The Saudi monarch noted that the two nations agree on many issues and intend to continue their efforts to shore up global oil prices.

Following the talks, Saudi Arabian Military Industries said it signed agreements with Russia’s state arms trader, Rosoboronexport, for the purchase of cutting-edge Russian weapons, including the long-range S-400 air defense missile systems.

While the U.S. has remained Saudi Arabia’s top weapons supplier and its most critical Western ally, Thursday’s deals highlighted Riyadh’s intention to expand ties with Russia.

The Saudis have also been eyeing Russian nuclear power technologies and appear ready to expand food imports from Russia, which is set to remain the world’s biggest wheat exporter this year. Food security is a major concern for Saudi Arabia, which stopped local production of livestock feed and wheat due to water scarcity.