Russia's President Vladimir Putin made a state visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this week, landing in the country on Monday for a brief two-day state reception. The head of state was warmly received by the kingdom's Monarch King Salman bin Abdulaziz, as the visit reflects Saudi Arabia's keenness on strengthening ties with Russia in the coming years. It also comes as part of a regional tour that will also see Putin visit the UAE to discuss political relations and economic agreements.
From all the multimillion-dollar deals the Russian leader signed during his Saudi trip to his mini-tour of Riyadh, here's all you need to know about his visit:
1. This is his first visit to the kingdom since 2012
Putin got a cordial military honor welcome after landing in Riyadh on Monday. The leader was escorted from the airport to Al-Yamama palace by a royal horse guard, then greeted by King Salman as a Saudi military band played the Russian national anthem.
During their initial meeting, the two leaders are said to have discussed strengthening ties between their two countries.
Putin was accompanied by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
2. The Russian president and MBS chaired the first meeting of Saudi-Russian Economic Committee
Putin was also warmly greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who co-chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Russian Economic Committee along with the Russian leader.
The event took place on Monday and saw MBS stress "the importance of continuing cooperation and building strategic partnerships between the two countries, discussing many opportunities and joint investment and production projects in line with Vision 2030."
The Russian leader addressed attendees at the meeting, "praising the successful cooperation between the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the Saudi Public Investment Fund."
This business meeting is set to support mutual agreements and opportunities for both Saudi and Russian economies.
3. Putin gifted King Salman a Russian falcon
During the trip, Putin and King Salman exchanged pretty unique gifts. The Russian leader gave the Saudi monarch an Arctic falcon bird originating from Russia's Kamchatka. In return, the royal gave Putin a painting titled "Generosity of Najd" to mark his visit to the kingdom.
4. The president got a tour of Riyadh
Of course, the trip wouldn't have been complete without some sightseeing in Riyadh's top tourist spots. Putin was given a tour of the city's historic Al Tarif alley which is located in Diriyah.
5. Putin signed 20 multimillion-dollar deals with the kingdom
Putin's visit included the signing of 20 multimillion-dollar deals that were rolled out on Monday. The agreements cover "oil and other energy industries, space and satellite navigation, justice, health services, tax administration, mineral wealth, tourism and aviation, along with cultural cooperation and the enhancement of trade relations."
The most important out of the multiple deals is a key oil agreement that is set to increase cooperation in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries+ (OPEC+) group.
The institution is led by the kingdom and features 10 non-members led by Russia — a country that has worked closely with OPEC to limit supply and stabilize prices after a 2014 slump in oil revenues.
6. Putin headed to Abu Dhabi soon after
On Tuesday, Putin successfully ended his trip to Saudi Arabia and boarded a plane to Abu Dhabi.
Upon landing in the UAE, the Russian president was greeted by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who met him at the emirate's royal airport.
The two leaders will be holding talks to discuss "bilateral ties and regional and international developments."