OREANDA-NEWS Vladimir Putin discussed the reduction of oil production in a telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Kremlin website reported.

The Russian leader and his interlocutor highly appreciated the cooperation of the countries within the framework of OPEC+.

"The Crown Prince expressed gratitude to the Russian side for the consistent support of Saudi Arabia's appeal to join the BRICS," the Kremlin press service said.

In addition, the interlocutors discussed issues of deepening cooperation in trade, economic, transport, logistics and investment areas, and also agreed to continue communication in this format.

Saudi Arabia received an official invitation to join the BRICS following the results of the Johannesburg summit held on August 22-24 under the chairmanship of South Africa. The UAE, Iran, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia were also invited to the organization. Their full membership will begin on January 1, 2024.