ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH – Russia and Saudi Arabia have reached a major milestone in their bilateral relations after signing an agreement that allows visa-free travel for citizens of both countries for up to 90 days per year. The agreement was concluded during a bilateral business forum in Riyadh on Monday, December 1, 2025.
The new visa-waiver pact comes amid rapidly strengthening economic cooperation. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, cumulative Russian investment in Saudi Arabia has increased sixfold over the past year, while Saudi investment in Russia has grown by 11%. Novak serves as co-chair of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Partnership between Moscow and Riyadh.
The treaty, published by Moscow last week ahead of the signing, will enter into force 60 days after being formally signed and ratified by both sides. The waiver does not cover travel for employment, study, or permanent residence, which will still require separate permits. Russian citizens traveling to the Kingdom for the Hajj pilgrimage will also continue to require special authorization.
Novak highlighted the resumption of direct air services between the two nations, which had been suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We expect that in the near future, alongside Arab carriers, Russian airlines will also begin operating direct flights to the Kingdom,” he said.
Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas launched a regular Riyadh–Moscow route on August 1, followed by national airline Saudia, which began nonstop flights on October 10.
Novak noted that the two countries share similar positions on most key issues at the international and regional levels. Over the past five years, bilateral trade has doubled, with Russia continuing as a major supplier of grains and poultry products to the Saudi market.
Saudi–Russian Joint Commission Holds 9th Meeting in Riyadh
The 9th session of the Saudi–Russian Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation was held on Monday in Riyadh. The meeting was co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
The commission reviewed a broad agenda aimed at advancing cooperation across key sectors, including:
Energy and investment
Trade and economy
Space, industry, and minerals
Health and education
Media and culture
Sports and tourism
Transportation and housing
Agriculture and related fields
Both sides expressed appreciation for the steady progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership to support sustainable economic growth in both countries.
The session also coincided with the Saudi–Russian Business Forum and the meeting of the Saudi–Russian Business Council, both held on the sidelines of the commission. These events further strengthened commercial ties and private-sector collaboration. (AT Network)
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