On June 3, 2026, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia's First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Elena Fastova met with Princess Sara Bint Bandar Al Saud, Executive Director of the International Dates Council. The parties discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation in the agro-industrial complex. Russia exports grain, meat, and oil and fat products to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is among the top three key suppliers of dates to the Russian market. Special attention was paid to interaction within the framework of the International Dates Council. The Saudi side invited Russia to consider joining the organization. Fastova noted that the proposal would be studied.
Following the meeting, the parties expressed interest in further strengthening interaction and joint work to ensure food security.