Today marks the commencement of a significant gathering in the city of Jeddah, situated in the western region of Saudi Arabia. National security advisors and representatives from approximately 40 nations convene to address the enduring Ukrainian crisis, which unfolded nearly 18 months ago.
The objective of this assembly is to foster a breakthrough and cultivate a cohesive vision towards the attainment of lasting peace.
Analysts who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat anticipated that participants will arrive at a crucial roadmap that crystallizes all the initiatives put forth to resolve the far-reaching Ukrainian crisis, whose repercussions have reverberated across the entire globe.
Characterizing the meeting as akin to “casting a stone into still waters,” analysts said the gathering signifies potential to disrupt the stagnant status quo.
The convening of this meeting and the broad international participation in it, held in the city of Jeddah, are believed by analysts to underscore Saudi Arabia’s influential and active role on the global stage.
The Kingdom is regarded as a “balance beam” between the East and West, owing to its balanced relationships and distinctiveness with all parties.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Asaf, a media professor at King Saud University, affirmed that the participation of national security advisors from around 40 countries in the Jeddah meeting signifies that “global security is unsettled, and the participants are striving for world stability, the restoration of security to its markets and sustenance, and security in a general sense.”
“We mustn't overly indulge in optimism, but this meeting is akin to casting a stone into stagnant waters,” Al-Asaf told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“It is an extension of the efforts of the Saudi Crown Prince, who presented his initiative at the onset of the crisis in February 2022 and offered his mediation to both sides, garnering acceptance from all parties,” he explained.
“Saudi Arabia today is a strong and active player on the international stage in diplomatic affairs, drawing upon extensive expertise,” he added.
The media professor also believes that “Saudi Arabia now stands at a neutral starting point with everyone, and it is the optimal mediator at this stage.”
Al-Asaf anticipates that “the meeting will yield a highly significant roadmap for peace, which will later be conveyed to Russia.”
Seasoned US statesman Henry Kissinger remarked in May of the previous year that peace negotiations in Ukraine could potentially materialize later in 2023, indicating that China's involvement in the process could bolster peace talks.
