Russia and Saudi Arabia voice concern over Bab el-Mandeb tensions

MANAMA — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed concern on Sunday over tensions in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Anadolu Agency.

Anadolu, citing a Russian Foreign Ministry statement, reported that the two ministers met in Bahrain's capital. The talks took place on the sidelines of the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue.

Maritime safety

According to the Russian statement as reported by Anadolu, the ministers stressed the importance of maritime safety. They also underlined the need for vessels to pass freely through international waterways. The report does not say which incidents or parties prompted the concern.

Bilateral and OPEC+ issues

Anadolu reported that the ministers also covered bilateral relations. The Russian statement said they reaffirmed a commitment to regular political dialogue based on trust. They also pledged to expand trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, according to the report.

Both sides, the statement said, highlighted the importance of continued cooperation within the OPEC+ framework. Anadolu did not give further details on that part of the discussion.

Meeting with Kuwait

Lavrov also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Anadolu reported. According to the agency, they discussed international and regional issues, with a focus on the situation in the Gulf.

Anadolu reported that the ministers called for a rapid de-escalation of tensions "in this strategically important part of the world." They said political and diplomatic means were the only way to resolve differences, while respecting the interests of all regional countries involved, according to the report.

The two sides also reaffirmed a commitment to strengthen Russia-Kuwait ties, Anadolu said. The agency listed regular political dialogue and wider trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation as the areas mentioned.

What is not stated

The account is based on a single source: Anadolu's report of a Russian Foreign Ministry statement. The report does not include a separate Saudi or Kuwaiti statement on the talks. It does not describe the nature of the tensions in the southern Arabian Peninsula or in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. It also does not name any country or group as responsible, and it does not list any concrete measures agreed at the meetings.

Background

The talks took place at the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue in Manama, according to Anadolu. The report describes the meetings with the Saudi and Kuwaiti ministers as held on the sidelines of that event. Anadolu's report was published on 18 October 2026.