Russia on Friday sharply criticized Saudi Arabia for rejecting membership of the UN Security Council, stating that it means abandonment of collective action to maintain peace and security in the world.

Russia on Friday sharply criticized Saudi Arabia for rejecting membership of the UN Security Council, stating that it means abandonment of collective action in the framework of the Council to maintain peace and security in the world.

"We are surprised by Saudi Arabia's unprecedented decision," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The kingdom's arguments arouse bewilderment and the criticism of the UN Security Council in the context of the Syria conflict is particularly strange, following the UNSC resolution 2118 which sets a comprehensive framework for resolving the Syrian crisis," it read.

The statement added that Moscow is counting on Asian regional group will determine its new representative in the UN Security Council in the near future.