Grain supply: Russia has become a key supplier of agricultural products to Saudi Arabia

Supplies of the Russian agro-industrial complex and petroleum products play a key role in the growth of trade turnover between Russia and Saudi Arabia, our trade representative in the kingdom Stanislav Yankovets told Izvestia. He also said that Moscow and Riyadh have approached the centenary of diplomatic relations with impressive results: in recent years, bilateral trade has more than doubled, and turnover may exceed $4 billion. An important stage of rapprochement in the coming months will be the launch of visa-free travel. This will open up new opportunities for business contacts and tourism. Why it is important for Russia to develop cooperation with Saudi Arabia — in the Izvestia article.

One hundred years of relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia

This year, on February 19, the centenary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia was celebrated. And the countries came to this date during a period of active expansion of economic relations. The trade representative of the Russian Federation in the kingdom, Stanislav Yankovets, told Izvestia about this.

"Over the past five years, bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Russia has shown positive dynamics, especially in the sectors of energy, food, high technology and tourism," the trade representative said. — From 2021 to 2024, the trade turnover between our countries has more than doubled. Official data for 2025 is still being formed, but according to preliminary estimates by the General Statistical Office of Saudi Arabia, the total volume of trade may exceed $4 billion.

Supplies of Russian agro-industrial products, petroleum products, as well as strengthening cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, digital technologies and direct air transportation played a key role in its growth, the trade representative noted.

— According to data for 2024-2025, exports of agricultural products from Russia to the kingdom exceeded $1 billion. The leading positions in this sector are occupied by wheat and barley. In 2025, the demand for Russian chicken and beef certified according to Halal standards increased several times. More than $200 million worth of poultry meat and more than $50 million worth of cattle meat were supplied. There has been a fivefold increase in soybean oil exports and consistently high supplies of sunflower oil," Yankovets added.

According to him, Russian confectionery, oatmeal, sauces and products from the health food segment are also in demand.

Many leading Russian agro-industrial companies export their products on an ongoing basis, making Russia one of the key food suppliers in the kingdom.: She is in the top five, and in key categories she is the leader.

The political dialogue between Moscow and Riyadh complements the economic agenda. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Saudi Arabia promotes certain aspects of the dialogue between Russia and the United States and actively interacts with our representatives on international platforms. In particular, the countries coordinate their positions in OPEC+, ensuring the stability of the global oil market. Joint decisions by Moscow and Riyadh on production quotas make it possible to keep prices at an acceptable level, despite seasonal fluctuations in demand and pressure from other producers.

An additional impetus for bilateral contacts will be the launch of a visa-free regime. Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov said earlier that the agreement on the mutual cancellation of entry documents for holders of all types of passports will enter into force in the coming months. This will create new opportunities for business contacts, tourism and cultural exchanges.

Not only grain: what will Russian agricultural exports look like in 2026

Russia is diversifying its sales markets

Saudi Arabia is one of Russia's important strategic partners

Historically, the USSR became the first country to recognize the Saudi state: in February 1926, Soviet Consul Karim Khakimov presented a note of recognition to King Abdulaziz ibn Saud. Already in 1930, the Soviet embassy was opened in Jeddah, which became one of the first diplomatic missions of the new state on the Arabian Peninsula.

"Although relations have been frozen for about 52 years due to ideological differences and the conditions of the Cold War, diplomatic channels have not been completely interrupted," Saudi political analyst Mubarak Al—Aati explained to Izvestia. — Meetings between representatives of the two countries took place in neutral capitals, and the official restoration of ties took place in September 1990 amid the crisis in the Persian Gulf.

The expert added that Saudi Arabia pursues a multipolar foreign policy, maintaining close relations with Moscow without prejudice to traditional partnerships with the West. This makes the country a sought-after mediator in resolving international crises, including the exchange of prisoners in the context of the Ukrainian conflict.

— Saudi Arabia has become an honorary guest of the SPIEF 2026. This reflects the desire to expand cooperation beyond energy, including technology, agriculture and industry," the specialist added.

Mubarak Al-Aati stressed that the uniqueness of Russian-Saudi relations lies in the fact that their advantages go beyond bilateral interests and have a positive impact on the global economy.

Humanitarian and cultural ties remain equally important. Last year, the number of tourists from Saudi Arabia increased significantly. Only the Chinese visited Russia more than them. Thus, the tourist destination becomes no less important segment in relation to countries than oil and investments.

Against this background, the business climate has also improved thanks to the work of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund, which are involved in dozens of projects in infrastructure, energy, digitalization, technology manufacturing and cybersecurity. Our companies supply the kingdom with equipment, cars, drones and solutions for digital cities.

Against the background of ongoing geopolitical challenges and sanctions pressure, Saudi Arabia has not joined the restrictions against Russia. The Kingdom has consistently advocated for diplomatic mechanisms to resolve international crises, including in Ukraine.

One hundred years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, Russia and Saudi Arabia have reached a new stage of interaction. The steady growth of trade, investment flow and strengthening of political trust show that the strategic partnership between Moscow and Riyadh remains relevant and continues to develop.