MOSCOW/RIYADH — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss bilateral cooperation and developments in the Middle East.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Gulf and the worsening military and political crisis in Yemen, according to the Kremlin.
Putin Congratulates Saudi Crown Prince
Putin congratulated Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Arabia’s upcoming National Day.
He also noted that the Soviet Union was the first foreign country to recognize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 100 years ago, according to the Kremlin.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Their cooperation covers political, trade, economic and humanitarian areas.
Calls for Diplomatic Solution
Putin and Mohammed bin Salman exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, especially the Gulf region.
Both sides stressed that political and diplomatic efforts are needed to help stabilize the current crisis. They said such efforts should take the interests of all parties into account.
The two leaders also discussed the worsening situation in Yemen.
According to the Kremlin, they reaffirmed the need for an early end to hostilities. They also called for conditions that would allow Yemeni parties to begin constructive talks under United Nations auspices.
Focus on Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
Maritime security was another key issue during the call.
Putin and Mohammed bin Salman stressed the importance of safe and unimpeded shipping through major international waterways in the region.
They specifically highlighted the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Both routes are important for international trade and energy shipments.
The two leaders also agreed to maintain contacts at different levels.
