DUBAI, Oct 13 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia can play a key role in the Middle East as it has good relations with Iran and the Arab world.
He was speaking in an interview with Arab broadcasters, including Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV, ahead of his first visit to Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Putin said nobody in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates wanted a confrontation with Iran. He also said Russia was working on a free trade zone with Israel and Egypt, similar to one between Russia and Iran.
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FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin during the opening of the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
(Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli and Aziz El Yaakoubi Writing by Lisa Barrington Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
