Putin tells Saudi prince that up to 15% of Russians are Muslims

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Photo: RIA Novosti

On June 5, 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, proclaimed unbreakable unity with the Russian Federation. At the main venue of SPIEF, the head of the kingdom’s oil ministry emphasized the successful overcoming of all external challenges thanks to the mutual commitment of both sides, reports TASS.

"We are committed to each other, committed to our partnership," stated Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud. "Although I am a Muslim and His Excellency the President of the Russian Federation comes from an Orthodox Christian country, we will remain together until death separates us." The Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources expressed confidence in the strength of interstate ties and personal trust between the countries' leaders.

Vladimir Putin, in response to the Saudi guest's speech, clarified the confessional composition of Russia's population. The President drew the minister's attention to the fact that 10 to 15 percent of the country's citizens profess Islam. The head of state emphasized that Russian Muslims have no other Motherland.

As the UOJ reported, hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Moscow celebrate Kurban Bayram.

Read also