Riyadh – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz made a telephone call to President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation expressing his condolences and sympathy on the victims of the terrorist attack that took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg metro.

The king stressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist act which resulted in a number of killings and injuries.

King Salman stressed the Kingdom’s firm stance and rejection of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, emphasizing the importance of the international efforts in addressing and eradicating terrorism.

For his part, the Russian president thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his noble feelings.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations, ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism, and issues of common interest.

Earlier the Custodian sent a cable of condolences to President Putin on the criminal explosion in which he said: “We received the news of the criminal explosion that took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg metro which resulted in a number of victims and injuries. We strongly denounce and condemn this criminal act.

On behalf of the Saudi government and people, we offer condolences to Your Excellency, the families of the victims and the Russian people, reiterating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm stance in rejecting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We stress importance of the international efforts to address and eradicate terrorism.”

In addition, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, has sent a cable of condolences to President Putin on the terrorist explosion.

In the cable, the Crown Prince said: “We received the news of the criminal explosion that took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg metro which resulted in a number of victims and injuries. I strongly denounce and condemn this criminal and heinous act which is condemned by all divine religions and international norms and conventions. I offer condolences to Your Excellency, the families of the victims and the Russian people, wishing a permanent security and stability for your state.”

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, also sent a cable of condolences to Russian President on the metro explosion in which he said: “I received the news of the criminal explosion that took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg metro. I strongly denounce and condemn this criminal and cowardly act which is condemned by all divine religions and international norms and conventions. I offered condolences to Your Excellency, the families of the victims and the Russian people, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.”