Saudi minister to hold defence talks in Russia: diplomat

Saudi Arabia`s crown prince is to travel to Russia on Wednesday for talks that could pave the way for Riyadh to buy Russian weapons for the first time, a Russian diplomat said Monday.

Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, who doubles as defence minister, was invited to Moscow by President Vladimir Putin after the Russian leader visited oil-rich Saudi Arabia in February, the diplomat told AFP.

The diplomat, who declined to be named, said he expected a "framework agreement for military cooperation," which would allow Russian weapons to be sold to Saudi Arabia, to be signed during Sultan`s three-day visit.

An official Saudi source confirmed the prince`s upcoming trip.

Riyadh, a close US ally in the Middle East, has traditionally used Western defence systems, but is seeking to diversify its sources of weaponry.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said after Putin`s visit to Riyadh that the desert kingdom was in talks with Russia over the possible purchase of Russian weapons.

"On the armament front, there have been discussions between the two countries. They are taking place in accordance with the kingdom`s requirements in terms of armament and with what Russia can provide of the kingdom`s needs for such equipment," he said.

Saud did not give details, but a diplomatic source had earlier said that Putin`s talks during his Saudi visit were expected to lead to a "verbal understanding" on the sale of about 150 Russian T-90 battle tanks to the kingdom.

The source said tests were carried out on the T-90 in Saudi Arabia last year to determine the tank`s suitability for harsh desert conditions, and Russia is also looking to sell Mi-17 helicopters.

sections: Politics, World News