RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and discussed the ongoing military escalation in the region.
During the phone conversation, President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s support for safeguarding the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Both leaders also discussed the adverse consequences of the ongoing escalation, particularly its impact on maritime security and the global economy, and exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The Russian president’s office, in a statement, said the two leaders had a thorough discussion of several issues about the crisis in the Middle East.
“They expressed deep concern over the deterioration of the military and political situation in the region, the loss of civilian lives, and the destruction of strategic infrastructure. Both sides emphasised the need for ceasing the hostilities as soon as possible and intensifying political and diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a long-term resolution to the conflict that respects the legitimate interests of all parties,” the Kremlin said.
Earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and discussed the latest developments in the region.
It is pertinent to mention that Saudi Arabia hosted the leaders of Qatar and Jordan on Monday to discuss the repercussions of the ongoing military escalation in the region.
Discussions focused on the risks posed by the escalation to freedom of international navigation, the security of energy supplies, and the broader impact on the global economy.
The three nations stressed that continued Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, particularly strikes on vital and civilian infrastructure, represent a dangerous escalation that threatens regional peace and stability.
The Middle East has remained on high alert since the United States and Israel launched a large-scale air offensive against Iran on February 28.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, as well as several Gulf countries that are not part of the conflict.
