Riyadh: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation to cooperate in environmental protection, aiming to strengthen the bilateral partnership and develop collaboration on environmental issues of mutual interest.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al Mushaiti signed the memorandum during his visit to Russia with Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov. The agreement aims to enhance joint efforts to preserve natural resources and achieve environmental sustainability in accordance with the legislation of both nations.

Key areas of cooperation include the development of vegetation cover, mitigating land degradation, sustainable forest management, and the development of management systems for protected and natural areas. The partnership also focuses on enhancing environmental monitoring and waste management, supporting scientific research to protect and rehabilitate rare and endangered species, combating the illegal trade of endangered flora and fauna, and protecting migratory bird routes and stopover areas.

The agreement targets the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity alongside the exchange of technical expertise and successful environmental initiatives. This cooperation will be implemented through the exchange of information, expert visits, and the organization of joint conferences, seminars, and training courses, supervised by a newly formed joint working group to follow up on future environmental opportunities.