Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, urging peace talks between Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, potentially enhancing US-Saudi relations and economic investments. Historical ties and regional stability efforts remain pivotal in the negotiations and future collaborations.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conducted discussions in Washington, setting the stage for a potential visit from US President Donald Trump—a milestone as it would mark his first foreign trip of the second term. During the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both parties urged the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces to recommence peace talks.
The State Department issued a statement indicating that the diplomats reached a consensus on the necessity for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to return to peace discussions, safeguard civilians, establish humanitarian corridors, and promote a return to civilian governance. This appeal followed the Sudanese army’s announcement that it has regained full control of Khartoum after a series of assaults by paramilitary factions.
The ongoing conflict—which commenced in April 2023—has led to severe humanitarian repercussions, with the United Nations categorizing it as the worst hunger and displacement crisis globally. Over 12 million individuals have been displaced, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and parts of Sudan have been declared famine-stricken according to UN assessments.
The US and Saudi Arabia have previously attempted to mediate multiple rounds of negotiations to halt the violence, though these efforts have yet to yield successful outcomes. Looking ahead, suggestions from Trump indicate he might visit Saudi Arabia, reminiscent of his inaugural trip in 2017. This recent visit from the Foreign Minister is intended to facilitate preparations for Trump’s anticipated visit to Riyadh.
Additionally, discussions during this visit also included considerations regarding “developments in Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.” Earlier this year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman promised a substantial $600 billion investment in US trade, which Trump mentioned could total up to a trillion dollars—an assertion that emphasizes job creation in America.
Historically, Trump has fostered strong ties with Riyadh, aiming to host Saudi Arabia, one of the cornerstones of Islam, in normalizing relations with Israel. During his first term, Trump also portrayed himself as a protector of Crown Prince Mohammed in the aftermath of the assassination of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
In conclusion, the diplomatic discussions between Saudi Arabia and the United States emphasize the pressing need for renewed peace talks in Sudan amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The anticipated visit of President Trump to Riyadh signals a potential strengthening of ties between the two nations, while the commitment to significant investments showcases the importance of economic relations. The interplay of geopolitical dynamics in the region remains a critical factor moving forward, particularly regarding efforts to stabilize Sudan and the broader Middle East.
Original Source: www.ktbs.com
