The two officials discussed the latest developments in Sudan and updates on the Saudi-US initiative to host representatives of warring Sudanese parties in Jeddah in a bid to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and to reduce the level of tension in the country.

Prince Faisal and Borrell also discussed the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual concern.

The US-Saudi initiative is the first serious attempt to end fighting that has turned parts of Khartoum into war zones, stymied an internationally backed plan to usher in civilian rule after years of unrest, and touched off a humanitarian crisis.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said “pre-negotiation” talks began on Saturday and “will continue in the coming days in the expectation of reaching an effective short-term ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance.”