Russia's Putin and Saudi MBS discuss Middle East, OPEC+ cooperation, Kremlin says

MOSCOW, April 2 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the Middle East crisis and cooperation within OPEC+ in a phone call on Thursday, the Kremlin said.

"Serious concern was expressed regarding the deteriorating military and political situation in the region, civilian casualties, and the destruction of strategically important infrastructure," it said in a statement.

The Kremlin said both sides stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the intensification of diplomatic efforts towards a settlement of the conflict, which broke out on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran.

Putin and MBS noted that the problems with energy production and transportation arising from the crisis are harming global energy security, the Kremlin said.

"In this regard, the importance of the joint work being carried out with the participation of Russia and Saudi Arabia within the 'OPEC+' framework to stabilize the global oil market was emphasized," it added.