MOSCOW: Saudi Arabia and Russia have called for a fresh push to unite Syria’s opposition in a bid to reinvigorate efforts to find a political settlement to the crisis.

“Despite divergence in the points of view between the two countries on the Syrian crisis, there is convergence toward the importance of uniting the ranks of the Syrian opposition,” said Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.

The minister insisted that there would be no cooperation with the Syrian regime after meeting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

“Our position has not changed... there is no place for Assad in the future of Syria,” Al-Jubeir said.

“We think that Bashar Assad is part of the problem, not part of the solution.”

He reiterated that the Kingdom’s stance toward Syria will not change, as it is based on Geneva I Declaration.

He also stressed the need to preserve Syria’s state institutions.

During the meeting in Moscow, Al-Jubeir and Lavrov discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations in various fields, and reviewed a number of issues of common interest.

Al-Jubeir said the meeting discussed ways to defeat terrorism as well as the importance of addressing the threat of fighters joining terrorist organizations.

The two ministers last met in Qatar on Aug. 3 when Lavrov, Al-Jubeir and US Secretary of State John Kerry held a three-way meeting, with Syria topping the agenda.

Al-Jubeir described Tuesday’s meeting with Lavrov as positive and constructive as it reflected the keenness to enhance the strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

“The recent visit of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, to Moscow has laid the foundations for the future relations between the two countries,” Al-Jubeir said.

According to news agencies, Lavrov said Moscow was not looking to establish a formal alliance against the Daesh group but warned a failure to cooperate could open the door to terrorists.

Russia wanted “all those who are already fighting terrorists to somehow coordinate so that they focus on their main task — to fight the threat of terrorism,” Lavrov said.