Friday, September 6, 2024
Putin thanks MBS for arranging major United States, Russia prisoner exchange
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on Thursday for his assistance in facilitating the largest prisoner swap between Russia and the United States (US) since the Cold War. Boost Saudi Expatriates Telegram channel
On August 1, hours after being released from Russian custody, American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan returned to the US as part of the biggest prisoner swap between the two nations since the Cold War.
Under a secret arrangement, which took place over the course of more than a year, 24 inmates were exchanged, 16 were sent back to the West from Russia, while 8 were sent to Russia from the West.
Putin stated during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the early phases of this project. We owe him a great debt of gratitude because his actions allowed our citizens to return to their motherland. Read : Long weekend ahead for Workers and Students in Saudi Arabia
Putin extended his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey for hosting the meeting. He made a brief mention to other Arab nations that helped with the trade, but he didn't specify which ones.
Since Mohammed bin Salman's first visit to Russia in the year 2015, the two have developed a strong personal relationship. The presidents of the world's two largest oil exporters were able to finalize and uphold the OPEC+ energy pact thanks to their relationship.
The United States and Russia released 26 prisoners in the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War ended on August 1, 2024. See Also : Saudi Arabia arrests 7 citizens for posting and promoting communal hate
Putin thanks MBS for arranging major United States, Russia prisoner exchange
