Moscow, Riyadh discuss anti-terrorism fight, settlement in Syria, Yemen - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Moscow and Saudi Arabia stand for the soonest ceasefire in Syria and Yemen and the consolidation of efforts in the fight against terrorism, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report published on its website after consultations between Special Representative of the President for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Riyadh officials.
Bogdanov was received by Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and met with Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) on August 21.
"The sides focused on a frank and detailed exchange of opinions and ideas about the ongoing military-political and humanitarian situation in Syria, Yemen and Palestinian lands. An emphasis was put on the need for the soonest end to violence and assistance to the political settlement of conflicts in the region on the existent international legal grounds, and the task of consolidating approaches in the interests of the efficient fight against the universal terrorist threat," the report said.
"The detailed discussions highlighted a broad range of issues pertaining to further progress of Russian-Saudi relations, including acceleration of political contacts and boost of mutually advantageous cooperation in the economic, energy, investment, humanitarian and other fields," it said.
During a profound exchange of opinions on pressing Middle East affairs, Moscow and Riyadh confirmed their mutual wish to continue rapprochement and coordination of their positions in the bilateral format and on multilateral platforms, including the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum and the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, in order to search for optimal solutions to conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa.
The UN Charter, principles of international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council lay down a reliable foundation for these efforts, the ministry quoted the sides as saying.