Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to the Crown Prince on the upcoming national holiday – Founding Day – noting that 100 years ago, the USSR was the first foreign state to recognise the Saudi Kingdom. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres.
A detailed exchange of views took place on the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region, with both sides underscoring that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the current crisis, while duly taking into account the interests of all parties.
In light of the deteriorating military and political situation in Yemen, the parties reaffirmed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the creation of conditions for launching a constructive intra-Yemeni dialogue under UN auspices. They also noted the importance of ensuring the safe and unimpeded passage of vessels through international waterways in the region, including the Bab-el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
Agreement was reached to continue contacts at various levels.