Negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations began on Monday in Riyadh under a closed format, with heightened security measures in place at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

The Russian delegation, led by Grigory Karasin, head of the upper house’s foreign affairs committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the Federal Security Service director, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday for the discussions.

Al Arabiya earlier reported the start of the negotiations, and a RIA Novosti correspondent confirmed the arrival of the Russian representatives at the venue.

READ ALSO: Russian sabotage halts U.S. efforts

Saudi security personnel enforced strict measures, instructing journalists and others to vacate the hotel premises while prohibiting photos and video recordings. Security vehicles were positioned around the hotel, and entry was restricted.

The primary focus of the talks is the potential resumption of an initiative on Black Sea navigation safety, a topic previously discussed in a phone call between the U.S. and Russian presidents.

NAN