Riyadh, July 14 (SANA)Saudi Foreign Minister PrinceFaisal bin Farhandiscussed regional developments and the importance of safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation during a phone call on Monday with Italian Foreign MinisterAntonio Tajani.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministers also reviewed the Palestinian issue and the international efforts to advance the two-state solution and achieve a just and lasting peace.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Earlier on Monday, bin Farhan stressed during talks with Egyptian Foreign MinisterBadr Abdelattythe need for an immediate halt to all escalatory actions that could expand the conflict across the region.

The call came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following an escalation between the United States and Iran, prompting concerns over regional security and the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.