Kyrgyz, Saudi FMs discuss regional affairs, including situation in Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine

BISHKEK. June 20 (Interfax) - The foreign ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia have discussed the situation in Afghanistan, Yemen and Ukraine, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

"In the course of an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss regional affairs, including the situation in Yemen, Afghanistan and Ukraine," the ministry press service said.

Speaking of the global agenda and bilateral cooperation in international and regional organizations, Kulubayev lauded the role played by Saudi Arabia in the provision of peace and stability in the region and the world, it said.

"The sides exchanged views on topical items on the international and regional agendas and noted the need for combined efforts to resolve challenging problems, such as food security and the humanitarian crisis. The Kyrgyz foreign minister called for stepping up Kyrgyz-Saudi relations and bringing them to a drastically new level. In that light, he emphasized the need for boosting trade and economic cooperation," the press service said.

The ministers discussed the start of direct regular flights between the two countries and the pending decision on the issuance of e-visas to Kyrgyz tourists visiting Saudi Arabia.