Princess Sarah bint Bandar, Executive Director of the International Dates Council (IDC), met with Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut during the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to discuss opportunities for strengthening international cooperation and expanding partnerships within the global dates industry.
The meeting included discussions regarding Russia’s potential accession to the International Dates Council, reflecting growing international interest in supporting and developing the dates sector worldwide.
Both sides reviewed opportunities to enhance cooperation in developing date-related value chains and supporting initiatives aimed at improving production, marketing, and export capabilities, contributing to the sustainable growth of the industry on a global scale.
During the meeting, Princess Sarah provided an overview of the council’s strategic vision, future priorities, and ongoing initiatives carried out in collaboration with member states and international partners. These efforts are focused on increasing the economic value of dates and expanding the sector’s presence in international markets.
The discussions underscore Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to strengthen international agricultural partnerships and promote dates as a valuable economic and cultural product with growing global significance.
