King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has accepted President Vladimir Putin's invitation to visit Russia, the TASS cited Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammad bin Salman as saying on Thursday.

"The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques confirms that he accepts the invitation to visit Russia," the prince said.

He has also invited Putin to visit Saudi Arabia on behalf of the king. The Russian leader said he would be happy to visit the country.

"I remember the warm reception I received in Saudi Arabia," Putin said.

The prince said that his country considered Russia an important partner and recalled that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognize the kingdom in 1926.

A diplomatic source told TASS earlier on Thursday that preparations for the king's visit were under way.