Russia and Saudi Arabia Warn of Tensions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait

The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Saudi Arabia, Sergey Lavrov and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, expressed concern over the escalating tensions in southern Arabia and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, calling for the protection of maritime security and freedom of navigation.

The two ministers held their meeting in the city of Manama, the capital of Bahrain, on Sunday, participating in the ninth round of strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring that ships can pass through international waterways safely and without hindrance, particularly the Bab al-Mandab, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is crucial for international trade, as cargo and oil tankers use it for transit between the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal.

The meeting also addressed strengthening the relationship between the two countries, trade cooperation, investment, culture, and humanitarian issues, with both ministers also stressing the continuation of their collaboration within the OPEC+ organization, which is part of efforts related to the oil market.

On the other hand, Lavrov held a private meeting with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, where they discussed the security situation in the Gulf and regional tensions.

These meetings come at a time of concern regarding the security of maritime routes in the region and the potential impact of the tensions in Yemen and its surroundings on international trade.