1. The two nations have also recently reinforced their military bonds,

with the kingdom focusing on energy, supply chains and sport

2. Lavrov arrived on a visit that is expected to lay the foundations for a Putin-Kim summit in Pyongyang –

with Zhang Youxia, vice chair of China’s top military body, and counterpart Sergei Shoigu meeting at a security forum in the Chinese capital

3. Saudi Arabia is also in talks with Italy about Saudi investment in Rome’s new strategic fund,

with a date yet to be decided