The detailed discussion focused on urgent issues of the Middle East agenda, including the developments in Yemen. The King of Saudi Arabia expressed concern over the launching of a ballistic missile in the direction of Riyadh by the commandos of the Yemeni Ansar Allah movement on December 19.
Having denounced this act, Vladimir Putin noted the importance of a thorough investigation of this incident and voiced his view that the Yemeni crisis must be settled exclusively by peaceful means, via national dialogue.
During an exchange of opinions on the situation in Syria, both leaders emphasised the need to step up efforts to reach political settlement.
They also discussed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation, including in the energy sphere, and agreed to continue close coordination with a view to maintaining stability in the global hydrocarbon market.