Russia to work with Saudi on implementing global oil cut deal

[DUBAI] Moscow wants to continue working with Riyadh on the implemention of an agreement to cut global oil output, Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat in an interview published on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of a visit of Saudi Arabia's King Salman to Russia, Mr Lavrov praised cooperation between the two countries in helping to secure a deal between Opec (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and other oil producers to cut output until the end of March 2018.

"Riyadh and Moscow are taking part in the implementation of the 'Opec-plus' agreements to reduce global oil production. We consider it extremely important to continue to coordinate efforts with partners in Saudi Arabia in this regard," Mr Lavrov said, according to an Arabic transcipt of the interview.

The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to discuss cooperation on oil production and differences over Syria and Iran on Thursday during the first visit to Moscow by a reigning Saudi monarch.

REUTERS