ENERGY DIALOGUE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND SAUDI ARABIA IN 2010-2017
Energy dialogue between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia became an issue of current importance in many respects, due to transformation of the whole system of international relations in the Middle East, caused by several military and political crises as well as the new political and military role assumed by Russia in Syrian crisis settlement. The energy dialogue between the two oil-producing countries is considered as one of the key mechanisms promoting crises settlement in the Middle East, regulating disputable issues in energy pricing and as adjusting infrastructure, social and environmental problems in the region. The author’s position is that international relations are not a “zero-sum game”. So, the political will of states to find the compromises contributes to the stabilization of the situation in the Middle East that, in its turn, can provide sustainable social and economic development of Russia and Saudi Arabia. The aim of this article is to identify the features of the energy dialogue between Russia and KSA and to determine the factors affecting it. The author uses methods of the comparative analysis and system approach. This paper analyses the conceptual basis of energy policy of the Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia, international treaties and the functioning of the “OPEC+” format, compare the approaches of Russia and KSA to the formation of the dialogue in the energy sector. The opinions of leading Arab and Russian experts in the energy field are taken into consideration. As a result, the following key features of the energy dialogue between Russia and the KSA were marked out. Firstly, in many aspects it is determined by regional political and military crises and fundamental difference in Russia’s and the KSA’s approaches to the final settlement of the Syrian conflict. Secondly, by introducing the concept of “the alliances overturn” the author draws attention to important changes in the way KSA forms partnership with the USA and Russia. In the context of conceptual changes in KSA’s approach to the strategic partnership with the USA and Russia. Thirdly, the author emphasizes the willingness of the parties to make mutual concessions in matters of principle, such as the conflict in Yemen and Syria. The fourth key feature of the dialogue between Russia and the KSA is using energy as a universal platform to find mutually beneficial solutions in ensuring regional economic security and military and political stability.