Relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia have significantly improved over the past decade, moving from a state of minimal interaction to a robust partnership based on trust and mutual investment. Vladimir Evtushenkov, founder of Sistema Holding and co-chair of the Russian-Saudi Business Council, highlighted this transformation during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). He noted that ten years ago, the relationship was characterized by cultural differences and a focus on Western markets, which hindered collaboration. A pivotal moment was the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to Russia, which opened avenues for joint projects funded by Saudi investments through the Russian National Wealth Fund and the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Evtushenkov stated that trust is fundamental to business success, emphasizing that it is built over time through dialogue and shared experiences. He remarked that while ten years may seem brief, the progress made in fostering business ties is significant, demonstrating the potential for further collaboration between the two nations.