Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow is ready to support efforts to ease regional tensions during talks with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
WEB DESK: Russia has offered to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions and resolving the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow on Tuesday.
Lavrov said Moscow was seriously interested in contributing to efforts to ease the situation in the region and address other regional issues of mutual concern.
Lavrov holds talks with Saudi foreign minister
Lavrov met Prince Faisal bin Farhan as Saudi Arabia and Russia discussed bilateral relations as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides discussed efforts to reduce escalation and ease tensions, including the Palestinian issue and the situation in Yemen. They also stressed the importance of protecting the security and freedom of navigation in international waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
The meeting comes as tensions in the region have intensified following Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia.
Russia condemns Houthi attacks
The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia were also discussed during the meeting. Lavrov described the attacks as unacceptable, while Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s determination to defend the Kingdom and its interests.
Saudi authorities said Houthi drones and missiles targeted the southern cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan, leaving 73 people injured and damaging energy infrastructure.
The attacks have added to concerns over regional stability and disruptions to global energy markets.
Saudi Arabia seeks closer cooperation with Russia
During the Moscow talks, Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of Saudi-Russian cooperation, particularly in supporting global energy-market stability.
Saudi Arabia and Russia are key members of OPEC+, where they coordinate policies aimed at balancing oil supply and demand. Saudi officials said the two countries want to further strengthen political and economic cooperation.
The two countries are also marking 100 years of diplomatic relations this year, according to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry.
Regional tensions raise diplomatic stakes
Russia’s mediation offer comes as the Middle East faces multiple security challenges, including the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, renewed fighting involving the Houthis in Yemen and growing concerns over the security of major shipping routes.
Moscow has maintained diplomatic relations with key regional actors, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, giving it channels of communication with different sides of the regional disputes.
However, Russia’s offer to help ease tensions does not represent a confirmed mediation process or a formal peace agreement. It reflects Moscow’s stated willingness to contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing escalation.
The Saudi and Russian foreign ministers agreed on the importance of continued diplomatic engagement to address regional challenges and promote security and stability.
