Chechnya's Kadyrov on Saudi visit

Mr Kadyrov is Chechnya's former mufti as well as an ex-rebel

The leader of Chechnya's pro-Moscow administration has begun a visit to Saudi Arabia which he said marked recognition of his legitimacy.

Akhmad Kadyrov was elected president of the war-torn region in October in a poll rejected by separatist rebels and condemned as a farce by rights groups.

He is visiting at the invitation of Crown Prince Abdullah, he told reporters before leaving Moscow.

Ties between Russia and its fellow oil giant have warmed in recent months.

"This really signifies recognition of our republic's present authorities," Mr Kadyrov said as he waited for his flight out of Moscow on Wednesday, adding that it was the first such visit.

"Let's see what relations we can establish with this country, a country which has made a move towards Russia today."

Riyadh has been looking for new economic partners

Mr Kadyrov, who heads a large delegation of Chechen officials and Muslim leaders from the North Caucasus, is due to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca as a Muslim before meeting Crown Prince Abdullah, the Russian news agency Itar-Tass reports.

He said he did not expect any documents to be signed but said the visit, due to continue until Sunday, could play a "crucial" role in forming public opinion among Saudis who may have sympathised with Chechen rebels in the past.

Crown Prince Abdullah went to Russia in September on a historic visit which saw the two states sign their first formal market agreement, pledging to co-ordinate supply and closely monitor world prices.

"This day will go down in history as it opens a new era in Saudi-Russian relations," the prince said at talks with President Vladimir Putin.