JEDDAH: Saudi King Salman praised the Kingdom’s ties with Russia on Wednesday in a speech read out at the opening of a summit between Russia and the Islamic world in Jeddah.  The Strategic Vision Group meeting between Russia and the Islamic world is being held to discuss common issues between the two sides and to strengthen cooperation in facing the existing challenges.  King Salman’s statement went onto add that “The Kingdom believes in the importance of this strategic meeting between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation in enhancing regional and international security and stability, intensifying means of dialogue among followers of religions and civilizations, and increasing joint cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism.” The statement noted that Saudi-Russian relations were strong and historical dating back 95 years.  “These relations have witnessed qualitative leaps in recent years, and culminated in high-level visits between the two countries, which resulted in the signing of many joint agreements in all economic, cultural and defense fields, and paved the way for the development of these relations and consolidating the level of trust between the two countries." The Strategic Vision Group was established in 2006 after the Russian Federation joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as an observer member. Since then, the group has held its meetings in Moscow, Kazan, Istanbul, Jeddah and Kuwait.