British prime minister, in his first phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, condemned the Houthi attacks and their threats against freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The Saudi official news agency reported on Monday that Andy Burnham, in the conversation, emphasized Britain’s support for the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia.

According to this report, Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and prime minister of Saudi Arabia, and Burnham reviewed existing areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen them, and discussed a number of regional and international issues.

The call took place amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Last week, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade of ships linked to Saudi Arabia, and Saudi officials said the country would take the necessary measures to protect vessels and its interests. The Houthis are financially and militarily supported by the Islamic Republic.

The importance of the Red Sea for Saudi Arabia has increased after disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and this route is now the main export outlet for the country’s oil.