'Until Death Do Us Part': Saudi Minister Hails Russia Ties, Says 'We Are Weathering All Storms'

As Saudi Arabia takes center stage at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Riyadh’s energy minister underscores a deepening, long-term strategic alliance with Moscow.

At the 9th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud delivered a striking message regarding the evolving nature of global alliances. Speaking alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, the minister declared that the partnership between Riyadh and Moscow is built to endure, famously remarking, “Until death do us part.”

The Saudi minister hails Russia as a steadfast partner, noting that the two nations are successfully navigating a turbulent period of global instability. “From Covid to all of these storms, even today we are going through many crises and different phases, yet we are weathering all of these storms with a diligent commitment to each other,” Prince Abdulaziz told the assembly. The comment drew significant applause from a crowd of approximately 20,000 delegates representing 130 nations.

A Diplomatic Milestone

The high-profile appearance comes as Saudi Arabia serves as the official "Guest Country" at the forum, an event often referred to as Russia’s version of Davos. This year’s participation carries particular weight, as it coincides with the centenary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. To mark the occasion, the Kingdom sent a delegation of over 200 officials and business leaders—including top brass from Saudi Aramco—signaling that the relationship has matured well beyond simple energy coordination.

This shift marks a historic departure from the Cold War era, during which the two nations were primarily rivals. Today, the relationship is characterized by a pragmatic, institutionalized partnership. While Saudi Arabia remains a traditional U.S. ally in the Middle East, its pivot toward deepening ties with Russia reflects a broader trend of multi-alignment in global geopolitics, where shared economic interests often supersede historical bloc loyalties.

Beyond Energy Cooperation

While energy diplomacy remains the bedrock of the Russia-Saudi connection, the presence of a massive business delegation suggests both sides are keen to expand into trade, infrastructure, and technology. For Russia, the forum serves as a vital platform to showcase resilience against Western isolation efforts, with the Saudi presence acting as a powerful signal of ongoing international engagement.

For the Kingdom, the strategy appears to be one of calculated diversification. By cementing ties with Moscow, Riyadh is positioning itself as a central player in a changing world order, capable of maintaining functional, long-term relationships with diverse global powers. As the forum concludes, the message from the Saudi minister remains clear: regardless of external pressures or shifting geopolitical winds, the partnership is firmly focused on long-term survival and mutual growth.