Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Axar.az reports, citing Izvestiya, that this was reported on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry on July 18.

"On July 18, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation <...> Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan," the statement said.

The parties conducted a "reconciliation of hours" on the situation in the Persian Gulf zone against the background of the ongoing exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran. The diplomats stressed the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and expressed the need for an early resumption of negotiations.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to ensuring stable and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is of strategic importance to the global economy. The Russian Foreign Minister and his counterpart from the UAE noted that navigation in this region should remain unhindered.

In addition, the ministers discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and the UAE. In particular, they discussed the expansion of ties in the trade, economic, educational and sports spheres. The parties confirmed their interest in close foreign policy coordination both in the bilateral format and within the framework of international organizations.