HRH Prince Turki AlFaisal affirmed that Saudi-Russian relations are deeply rooted historic ties, noting that the Soviet Union’s recognition nearly a century ago of the Kingdom of Hejaz and the Sultanate of Najd during the reign of King Abdulaziz (may he rest in peace) had a profound impact on securing international recognition for the then-emerging Kingdom. This recognition was subsequently followed by acknowledgments from European countries and states in the region.

Speaking at the outset of his participation in the inaugural episode of the program “Riyadh Studio,” which aired on Tuesday, February 10, 2026) on RT (Russia Today), His Royal Highness said: “If we look back at the history of relations with Russia as they stand today and as they were during the Soviet Union, there is no doubt that the Soviet recognition, 100 years ago, of the Kingdom of Hejaz and the Sultanate of Najd in the time of King Abdulaziz had a significant impact on international acknowledgment of the young Kingdom that emerged in those days. International recognitions followed from European countries and from our region.”

He added that the early foundations of the relationship were built on friendship and mutual interests, recalling the 1932 visit of his father, King Faisal (may he rest in peace)—who was then a prince—to the Soviet Union. The visit aimed to explore financing for oil and petroleum for the Kingdom of Hejaz and the Sultanate of Najd, and resulted in an agreement between the two countries for Soviet petroleum financing, reflecting the practical character of the relationship from its early stages.

Prince Turki AlFaisal also pointed to another historical milestone, noting that when relations between the two countries were restored in 1992, the first visit by a Saudi official to Moscow was made by his brother, Prince Saud AlFaisal (may he rest in peace). He emphasized that relations have been on a steady upward trajectory ever since.

His participation came in the first episode of the program “Riyadh Studio,” officially launched from the capital, Riyadh, on the screen of RT. It is the first program produced from within the Kingdom to be broadcast on an international Russian channel, serving as a media platform aimed at presenting the Saudi political perspective in a balanced and professional manner, addressing Arab and international public opinion, and highlighting the Kingdom’s weight and pivotal role in regional and international affairs.

The inaugural episode coincided with the centenary of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Russia, a milestone carrying historical and political significance that reflects the continuity of the relationship from its earliest beginnings to its present form.

The episode addressed several key themes, foremost among them the historical roots of Saudi-Russian relations since Russia’s recognition of the Kingdom of Hejaz in 1926 and the political implications of that recognition at the time. It also examined the evolution of the relationship through various phases to its current form and its ability to endure despite major international transformations. Additional topics included relations within the framework of a changing international order, multipolarity and the balance of interests, political and economic cooperation, and the energy sector as a cornerstone of mutual trust between the two countries, as well as the prospects and future of the relationship in light of Saudi Arabia’s growing regional and international role.