RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting negotiations on the Ukraine war in the latest flexing of its diplomatic muscle in a significant push for peace in the Ukraine war. However, expectations are mild for what the gathering might achieve.
The meeting in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on Saturday underscores Saudi Arabia’s “readiness to exert its influence to contribute to reaching a peaceful solution that will result in permanent peace”, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Saudi Arabia is playing a significant role in the push for peace in the Ukraine war as it hosts talks. Around 30 countries have been invited to the gathering, excluding Russia. The talks aim to engage a diverse range of nations in discussions about a path towards peace, with a focus on finding a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis.
The meeting has drawn participation from various nations, including China, India, and South Africa. Notably, China, often criticized by Western countries for its neutral stance on Russia’s actions, expressed its willingness to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s Peace Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the wide representation of countries in the Jeddah talks, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions to issues like food security, which has affected millions of people in developing countries due to the surge in food prices triggered by the war.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude exporter, has sought to position itself as a mediator in the conflict, maintaining ties with both Ukraine and Russia. The kingdom has supported UN Security Council resolutions denouncing Russia’s invasion and annexation of territory in eastern Ukraine. However, its balancing strategy has faced criticism, with some accusing the country of aligning too closely with Russia.
The Jeddah talks highlight Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic clout and its emphasis on diversifying diplomatic partners. Saudi officials view the meeting as a successful demonstration of the kingdom’s multipolar strategy.
