MOSCOW, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud said Thursday that disruptions to energy production and distribution resulting from the Middle East crisis are affecting global energy security.
During a phone conversation, the two leaders discussed several issues pertaining to the crisis in the Middle East, the Kremlin said in a statement.
According to the Kremlin, the two sides 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.
They emphasized the need for a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible and for greater political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term resolution to the conflict that respects the legitimate interests of all parties, the statement said.
The leaders also highlighted the importance of the joint efforts of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, to stabilize the global oil market. ■