Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in Riyadh on Wednesday and discussed regional and global developments.

Mr Guterres arrived in the Saudi capital at the start of a regional tour that includes Iraq and Oman.

Crown Prince Mohammed and Mr Guterres exchanged views on a β€œrange of regional developments and an analysis of the current geopolitical situation” during their meeting at Al Yamamah Palace, the UN said.

Their talks also covered β€œways to support efforts to enhance global security and stability”, the Saudi news agency SPA reported.

The UN said Mr Guterres β€œcommended the long-standing UN-Saudi partnership and support to multilateralism”.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of State and National Security Adviser Musaed Al Aiban and the kingdom's envoy to the UN, Abdulaziz Al Wasel.

In an interview with Al Arabiya on Thursday, Mr Guterres expressed concern over conflicts in Yemen and Sudan in which Saudi Arabia has been pushing for hostilities to end. He described developments in Yemen's Hadhramaut region as a dangerous escalation.

"The war in Sudan is horrific and must stop,” he said, before adding that the UN had been promised access to the city of El Fasher.

Mr Guterres will travel to Iraq on Saturday for a visit marking the end of the 22-year mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (Unami).

He is expected to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani in Baghdad, as well as UN staff.

On Monday, Mr Guterres will travel to Oman to meet Sultan Haitham to discuss regional issues, particularly the situation in Yemen.

Oman has been mediating with Yemen’s Houthis for the release of UN staff held by the rebels. The international community has called for their unconditional release.

On Tuesday, Mr Guterres called on the Houthis not to prosecute detained UN personnel and to work β€œin good faith” to immediately release all detained staff from the UN and foreign agencies and missions.

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