Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from tradition at Friday’s SPIEF plenary session, passing the microphone to Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, who was seated in the audience rather than on stage with other speakers. "Magic! Mr President, magic does happen in St. Petersburg," the minister said. "You are in Russia," replied the head of state. According to the minister, Riyadh‑Moscow ties have withstood all crises. "We're weathering all of these storms with a diligent commitment to each other as partners that... Although I am a Muslim and Russia is not Catholic, but still we do go by until death do us part," Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud concluded. Vladimir Putin, in turn, called Saudi Arabia a long‑standing friend of Russia, adding that this explains why the kingdom was made a guest of honour at the event. Watch.