Negotiators hope to reach the world's first treaty on plastic pollution this year, but across five very different countries, AFP found single-use plastic remains hugely popular
The two nations "noted the particular importance of constructive dialogue and close cooperation between the largest oil-producing countries with the goal of supporting the stability of the oil market and ensuring a stable level of investment in the long term," the energy ministers from both countries said.
Their comments came in a joint statement after a meeting at the G20 summit in China.
"To this end, the ministers agreed to act together or in cooperation with other oil producers," the statement said, adding they had agreed to set up a "joint monitoring group" to offer recommendations aimed at preventing price fluctuations.
Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak described the announcement as marking a "new era" in cooperation between Russia and Saudi Arabia and insisted it would have a "critical significance" for oil markets, news agency Interfax reported.
But there were no details in the announcement on any elusive agreement to freeze oil output, just weeks before Moscow and Opec meet in Algeria to discuss the crisis.
The globe's major oil producers have been unable to strike a deal on freezing output, due mainly to a dispute between Saudi Arabia and Iran over Tehran's desire to raise production levels after the lifting of sanctions.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khaled Al Faleh told Al Arabiya television channel there was "currently no need to freeze production" after meeting Novak.
"A freeze is one of the preferred options but it is not needed for the moment," he said.
President Vladimir Putin met Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Second Deputy Premier and Defence Minister, on the sidelines of the G20 on Sunday and said they would work to address a global glut and overproduction.
In an interview ahead of the meeting, Putin said that a freeze was "the right decision" and called for "compromise".
Oil prices up by 5%
Oil prices rallied on Monday by up to five percent after key crude producers Russia and Saudi Arabia vowed to stabilise the market.
In reaction, Brent North Sea crude leapt as high as $49.40 a barrel. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) soared to $46.53. Prices later pulled back as Saudi Arabia ruled out the need to trim back production. - AFP
Negotiators hope to reach the world's first treaty on plastic pollution this year, but across five very different countries, AFP found single-use plastic remains hugely popular
With this milestone, the company underlines its role in contributing to the economy
Jaffna residents say they are still grappling with long-unresolved issues of accountability for war crimes, disappearances, and demands for the return of private land occupied by the army
The facility will operate Monday to Thursday from 9am to 10pm, and from 9am to 11pm on weekends
151 people who came into contact with the victim are under observation to prevent the spread of the deadly virus
Policyholders can get coverage limits of Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for a 12-month term
Pakistani expat Hafsa Qadeer, who recently helped organise the UAE's largest career fair for Emiratis with disabilities, wants to build a 'LinkedIn' for people of determination