Zelenskyy Commends Saudi Arabia’s Role in Peace Efforts Ahead of US-Ukraine Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to thank him for Saudi Arabia’s involvement in peace efforts amid upcoming US-Ukraine talks. The discussions highlight Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator in the Ukraine crisis, with hopes to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s significant involvement in peace negotiations during his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. This meeting precedes critical talks between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Saudi Crown Prince affirmed the kingdom’s commitment to international efforts directed at achieving peace in Ukraine, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s active mediation following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
During their discussion, President Zelenskyy underscored the crucial role played by Saudi Arabia in recent discussions and stated, “I am grateful for his wise perspective on global affairs and support for Ukraine. It was especially important to hear words of confidence in Ukraine’s future.” He expressed eagerness for collaboration, emphasizing that strengthened ties between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia would benefit not just their nations but the wider world as well.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated the kingdom’s support for global initiatives aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Since the onset of the conflict, Saudi Arabia has engaged in various mediating activities, such as facilitating prisoner exchanges and hosting diplomatic discussions between Moscow and Washington. Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz also met with the Crown Prince, thanking him for Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering discussions to secure a lasting peace.
In upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, US and Ukrainian officials will engage in three days of discussions focusing on a bilateral minerals agreement and strategies to conclude the conflict. These talks mark the first formal engagement between US and Ukrainian representatives since their last meeting involving President Zelenskyy and former President Trump. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized its ongoing commitment to facilitating a lasting peace to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, noting that it has hosted numerous meetings over the last three years in pursuit of this goal.
In summary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its crucial role in peace negotiations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The upcoming talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia are pivotal in addressing the conflict with Russia, underscoring the kingdom’s continued efforts to mediate a lasting resolution. The discussions promise to focus on essential agreements and strategies while reinforcing the growing cooperation between the involved nations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com