Saudi King Salman talks with Putin, discusses Syria

Saudi King Salman on Monday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation to discuss the Syrian conflict, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.

The call comes after Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubair on Sunday reiterated and emphasized Riyadh’s position when he said there is “no place” for President Bashar al-Assad for future Syria. Since last month, Russia has been supporting Assad’s forces by striking rebel groups.

He also said Cairo - which has previously approved Russian intervention in Syria - has a “similar” position to that of Riyadh.

Washington has said it could tolerate Assad during a short transition period, but that he would then have to then exit the political stage. However, Moscow says Assad must be part of any political transition and that the Syrian people will decide who rules them.

The two leaders also expressed concerns about Israeli-Palestinian violence.