Saudi King Salman visit to Russia will 'strengthen ties', Riyadh's foreign minister says

Saudi Arabia's King Salman al-Saudi historic visit to Russia in October will focus on deepening security and economic ties between the two countries, Riyadh's foreign minister said on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said King Salman's visit next month is aimed at strengthening ties following a traditionally uneasy relationship between the two oil producers.

"[Salman's] visit to Russia will be a historic visit because it will symbolise the extent of the relationship and consultations that take place between the two countries," Jubeir told Russian media.

"Our two countries are much more closely allied than some analysts... try to portray it. We are both oil producers, we are having interest in a stable oil market."

Saudi Arabia is looking to increase Russian investments and stengthen security and counter-terrorism ties, he added.

He said Riyadh and Moscow share the same views on regional issues.

King Salman will stay in Moscow between 4 and 7 October last week, which will be the first visit by a Saudi monarch to Russia.

Salman is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the tour which has been touted since July.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Putin in Moscow earlier this year.

Putin previously met King Salman - who was then Riyadh governor - when the Russian president toured Saudi Arabia in 2007. 

Salman will be the first Saudi monarch to visit Russia in an official capacity when he lands in Moscow next month.

Saudi Arabia and Russia - as well as its predecessor the Soviet Union - have had a troubled history in the past, but have strengthened ties under Putin.

Saudi Arabia led the Afghan resistance to a Soviet invasion in the 1980s, funnelling arms to militant groups based in Pakistan.

Riyadh and Moscow have also been at loggerheads over the Syria war, with Russia backing Bashar al-Assad and Saudi Arabia supporting rebel groups trying to topple the dictator in Damascus.

Saudi Arabia is believed to be winding down support for opposition groups in Syria.

Russia and Saudi Arabia have both been hit hard by low oil prices, with the two countries working closely on cutting production.