MANAMA /Kingdom of Bahrain/, October 18. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is meeting with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of a ministerial session of the ninth Russia-GCC strategic dialogue, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

The ministers met in September in Moscow to discuss the dangerous escalation in the Middle East, including in connection with the deteriorating conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Houthis. The Saudi foreign ministry clearly said that Riyadh is not talking about "closing the diplomatic track" and remains in favor of a political solution to the problems in the region, but will not hesitate in matters of self·defense. Lavrov called the Houthis’ attacks on civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia unacceptable and described their chosen course as counterproductive.