Kremlin talks may see Saudis diversify arms purchases in the future

Moscow: Saudi Arabia''s prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz held talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin here last week which are expected to pave the way for the first purchase of Russian weapons by the kingdom.

The prince described Russia as a "friend," news agencies reported. Neither side made any public statement following the Kremlin talks.

Russian diplomatic sources have been quoted as saying that the talks are expected to produce a "framework agreement for military cooperation" that would clear the path for the Saudi purchase of Russian arms.

Putin''s visit to Saudi Arabia in February this year was expected to lead to a "verbal understanding" on the sale of about 150 Russian T-90 battle tanks to the kingdom as well as Mi-17 helicopters.

Saudi Arabia has been a traditional buyer of US and other western military equipment but has recently signalled that it may be considering diversifying its arsenal.

In an interview with the state-run ITAR-TASS news agency, the Sultan focused on the Middle East and said both Saudi Arabia and Russia had roles to play in stabilizing the situation in Iraq. Russia and Saudi Arabia, he said, "should work together at regional and international levels for security and peace in Iraq."