MOSCOW, September 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a telephone conversation with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

"A telephone conversation took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud," the Kremlin press service said in a news release.

The Russian leader congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince on the upcoming national holiday - the day marking the founding of Saudi Arabia - noting that a century ago, the Soviet Union was the first foreign nation to recognize the Saudi Kingdom.

The two leaders expressed mutual satisfaction with the current level of cooperation in the political, trade-economic, and humanitarian spheres.

Furthermore, Putin and Prince Mohammed exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Persian Gulf region. They agreed that that there is "no alternative to political and diplomatic efforts aimed at normalizing the current crisis, while duly taking into account the interests of all parties."

"In light of the deteriorating military-political situation in Yemen, the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the creation of conditions for launching a constructive intra-Yemeni dialogue under UN auspices was reaffirmed. At the same time, the importance of ensuring the safe and unhindered passage of vessels through international waterways in the region - including the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Strait of Hormuz - was emphasized," the Kremlin said.

The Russian President and the Saudi Crown Prince agreed to continue communication at various levels.