Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, with the two holding a detailed exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region.
Putin and the Saudi crown prince said there is no alternative to political and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the current crisis, while taking into account the interests of all parties, according to the Kremlin.
The two also discussed the worsening military and political situation in Yemen and reaffirmed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and conditions for a constructive intra-Yemeni dialogue under U.N. auspices. They also stressed the importance of safe and unimpeded passage for vessels through regional international waterways, including the Bab-el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
Putin congratulated Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Founding Day and noted that the Soviet Union was the first foreign state to recognize the Saudi Kingdom 100 years ago. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the current level of political, trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation and agreed to continue contacts at various levels.
