Riyadh - Mubasher: Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih invited Russia to join the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as an observer.

“We have invited Russia to join as an observer. We believe they are considering it,” Al-Falih was quoted by Reuters as saying during a news conference on Saturday.

“I can assure that the entire membership of OPEC would welcome Russia,” the minister added.

OPEC members and other major producers agreed on Friday to raise their oil production, easing the constraints of the output curb agreement.