DUBAI: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Riyadh on Monday in his first visit since 2007, and is scheduled to have a meeting with Saudi King Salman as well as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar personally welcomed the Russian leader. Putin’s “long-awaited” visit will include discussions on “further cooperation to stabilize prices on the world carbohydrate market” as well as the situation in Syria, the Gulf and Yemen. The Russian leader, in an interview with Arab broadcasters and aired on Sunday ahead of his arrival, described the “very good relations” with the Saudi leadership. “We consider Saudi Arabia a friendly nation. I have very good relations with both the King and the Crown Prince,” Putin said, and noted the improved bilateral relations between both countries. Putin in the interview likewise condemned the Sept. 14 attacks on Aramco facilities, and said “such actions do not bring any positive results to anybody, including perpetrators,” as they do not have a strong effect on the market. “We condemn any such actions, end of story. This is the official position … regardless of who stood behind the incident,” the Russian president commented. A forum attended by Saudi Arabian and Russian business leaders and government officials earlier Monday resulted in the signing of several agreements between companies of both countries. Watch the live coverage of Putin’s arrival: (Developing)