Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to important U.S.-Ukraine talks, expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s role in peace efforts. Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to resolving the conflict. Upcoming discussions will address a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and strategies for ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah ahead of critical discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During this meeting, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s significant role in ongoing peace efforts. The Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting international initiatives that seek to bring peace to Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy commended the Crown Prince’s insight on global issues, stating, “I am grateful for his wise perspective on global affairs and support for Ukraine,” emphasizing the importance of Saudi Arabia’s contributions in recent negotiations. He also expressed his belief in the benefits of stronger relations between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the Crown Prince is keen on supporting all efforts directed towards resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Since the invasion by Russia in 2022, Saudi Arabia has facilitated various diplomatic roles, including mediating prisoner exchanges and hosting talks between U.S. and Russian officials.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz had a meeting with the Crown Prince to discuss matters related to Yemen, Syria, and Gaza reconstruction. Secretary Rubio acknowledged the Crown Prince’s hospitality in facilitating discussions aimed at a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.
The upcoming three-day talks in Saudi Arabia will focus on a bilateral minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, as well as strategies to end the conflict. These discussions mark the first formal meeting following the recent interactions between President Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump.
The meeting between President Zelenskyy and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscores the critical role Saudi Arabia is playing in mediating peace efforts in Ukraine. As discussions between Ukraine and U.S. officials approach, there is a renewed focus on diplomatic strategies and bilateral agreements to resolve the conflict. Enhancing relations between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia may yield significant benefits for both nations and contribute to peace in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
