Saudi Participation Raises Maritime Security and Energy Issues at Valdai International Forum

Riyadh – BETH | October 9, 2025

At the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia, a Saudi representative delivered one of the forum’s most noteworthy interventions.
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmohsen Al-Faraj, representing the King Abdulaziz Center for Research and Intercommunication, posed a direct question to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the future of maritime navigation and global energy security in a multipolar world.

President Putin, responding to Dr. Al-Faraj, expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in ensuring global energy stability, praising the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to meet market needs and maintain secure and reliable energy supplies.

A Saudi Voice at the Valdai Forum

Dr. Al-Faraj’s question came during the forum’s closing session, attended by President Putin and international dignitaries.

“As a country that exports oil and imports most of what it needs for development, Saudi Arabia is deeply concerned with ensuring the freedom of maritime navigation and the security of oil supply routes,” he said.
“Mr. President, can the emerging multipolar world guarantee free navigation and the safety of energy supplies worldwide, preventing a recurrence of incidents like Nord Stream?”

President Putin replied:

“Respect for international law and coordination among major powers are essential to avoid threats to maritime and energy security.
Nothing in international law permits piracy or the unlawful seizure of vessels.
If the world’s powers continue to work together for mutual interests, such crises will not be repeated.”

Putin Commends the Kingdom’s Steady Energy Role

The Russian president went on to emphasize that Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States are the world’s three largest oil producers, noting that global economic stability is unimaginable without Saudi Arabia’s contribution to energy supply and market balance.

“It is impossible to maintain stability in the global energy sector if major producers like Russia or Saudi Arabia are excluded,” Putin stated.
“Such a scenario would drive oil prices above $100 a barrel, damaging the already fragile global economy.”

He added:

“Thanks to the dedication of energy professionals around the world — including those in Saudi Arabia — the global market continues to meet demand sustainably, despite all challenges.”

The Valdai Forum… A Global Dialogue Platform

The Valdai International Discussion Club is among Russia’s most prominent intellectual and policy forums, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and scholars each year to address geopolitical transformations and energy transitions.

This year’s session hosted over 250 participants from 40 countries, reflecting a growing interest in the shifting balance of power and the role of energy diplomacy in shaping the new world order.

BETH Analysis

President Putin’s acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s role underscores the Kingdom’s strategic leadership in global energy policy and its ability to balance national interest with international stability.
It also reflects Riyadh’s growing influence in shaping dialogues on energy security, maritime freedom, and multipolar cooperation, positioning the Kingdom not just as a major producer — but as a global stabilizer and partner in constructive diplomacy.