Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Middle East Crisis, Call for Diplomatic Solutions

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud held a telephone conversation on September 22, discussing bilateral relations, the security situation in the Middle East, the conflict in Yemen and the safety of international shipping routes, according to the Kremlin.

President Putin congratulated the Crown Prince ahead of Saudi National Day and recalled that the Soviet Union became the first foreign state to recognize the Saudi Kingdom a century ago. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation achieved in political, trade, economic and humanitarian affairs.

The two leaders exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf. They emphasized that political and diplomatic efforts remain essential to resolving the current crisis and stressed the importance of taking the interests of all parties into account.

Addressing the deteriorating military and political situation in Yemen, Putin and Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the need to end hostilities as soon as possible. They also called for conditions that would enable constructive dialogue among Yemeni parties under the auspices of the United Nations.

The leaders highlighted the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded passage for vessels through the region’s international waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits. The security of these strategic maritime routes is closely linked to regional trade, energy supplies and international economic activity.

Putin and Mohammed bin Salman agreed to maintain contacts at various levels on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.