The negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations in Riyadh will be held in a closed format.

The negotiation had already started, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported earlier in the day.

The RIA Novosti correspondent confirmed that the Russian delegation had arrived at the negotiation venue at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Saudi Arabia’s state security service officers had asked journalists and others to leave the hotel’s premises and refrain from photo and video recording.

Security personnel in vehicles were stationed throughout the hotel grounds, and entry into the building was strictly prohibited.

The Russian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Russia was represented at the meeting by Grigory Karasin, head of the Russian upper house’s foreign affairs committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service.

The talks are expected to focus primarily on the nuances of a possible resumption of the initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.

It was discussed during the last phone call between the Russian and U.S. presidents. 

(RIA/NAN)