Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, during a rare trip abroad, to discuss oil production, OPEC+, and conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine. Putin arrived in Abu Dhabi for talks with President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan before heading to Saudi Arabia for his first face-to-face meeting with MbS since October 2019. The two leaders will discuss energy cooperation, the Israeli-Hamas conflict, the situation in Ukraine, and other regional issues. Putin will also host Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow on Thursday. Putin and MbS, both major oil producers, have enjoyed close relations and seek high prices for oil to support their economies. OPEC+ has encountered disagreements over production levels, with Saudi Arabia seeking assurances from Moscow. Putin has sought to strengthen Russia’s position in the Middle East and has fostered ties with Arab allies and Iran amidst Western attempts to isolate Moscow.