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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Peace in Ukraine

Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives President Vladimir Putin in Riyadh on December 7, 2023 (SPA).
Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives President Vladimir Putin in Riyadh on December 7, 2023 (SPA).
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Peace in Ukraine

Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives President Vladimir Putin in Riyadh on December 7, 2023 (SPA).
Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives President Vladimir Putin in Riyadh on December 7, 2023 (SPA).

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and pursuing a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts, particularly its role in hosting Russian-American talks on February 18. The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation and its impact on global oil market stability.

The call followed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Riyadh—the Ukrainian leader’s fourth visit to Saudi Arabia since the war began in February 2022. Zelensky acknowledged the Kingdom’s efforts and its influential role in both the Middle East and global affairs.

As part of its mediation efforts, Saudi Arabia recently hosted US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah under the Crown Prince’s direction. The discussions reflect Riyadh’s ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing dialogue as the only viable path to resolving the conflict.

In a significant development, Diriyah recently hosted the first high-level US-Russia negotiations since the war began. The talks resulted in agreements to establish senior negotiation teams to explore an end to the conflict and reopen diplomatic channels between Washington and Moscow.

Last month, US President Donald Trump and Putin, in their first known direct conversation since Putin’s call with Joe Biden before the war, agreed that Saudi Arabia would be the appropriate venue for their first meeting. Analysts say the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global peace broker and highlights the international recognition of its leadership.

Dr. Mutlaq Al-Mutairi, a professor of political media at King Saud University in Riyadh, described the Ukraine war as a global crisis that has drawn in world powers, particularly Western nations. “Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts have positioned Saudi diplomacy as a strong reference for peace,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Saudi Arabia’s approach is strategic rather than personal,” he added. “It focuses on political alliances and offers an objective analysis of the crisis, positioning the Kingdom as a mediator rather than a judge of individual leaders.”

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Preparations Intensify for UN Two-State Solution Conference Led by Saudi Arabia and France

The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)
The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)
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Preparations Intensify for UN Two-State Solution Conference Led by Saudi Arabia and France

The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)
The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)

Preparations are intensifying for a major international conference aimed at advancing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, set to take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York from June 17 to 20.

The high-level event, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, seeks to reenergize global efforts toward a peaceful resolution and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

On Friday, simultaneous meetings in Paris and New York underscored the diplomatic push behind the initiative. In Paris, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan — Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Badr Abdelatty, and Ayman Safadi — for a working session devoted to coordinating positions and finalizing preparations.

The meeting signaled France’s determination to partner closely with Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, in spearheading the initiative.

French officials emphasized their confidence in Saudi Arabia’s regional and international influence, noting that Riyadh’s co-chair role was mandated by a UN resolution passed in December 2024.

Meanwhile in New York, UN delegates gathered for a preparatory session to assess the work of eight task forces established previously to craft practical recommendations on implementing the two-state framework. These groups have been focusing on key areas such as security, humanitarian aid, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The conference, according to French officials, will be open to all UN member states, as well as observer entities. Organizers hope for strong high-level participation, with the event expected to open with remarks by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, followed by the President of the General Assembly and the conference co-chairs.

The opening session will include presentations by the heads of the eight task forces, summarizing their findings. A final document, described as a “roadmap” to a political solution, will be released at the end of the conference, focusing on actionable steps rather than abstract declarations.

French diplomats have stressed that the aim is not to revisit past resolutions, but to forge a path toward a practical and enforceable peace framework.

“There is a goal and a conviction,” said one French official. “The goal is to mobilize the international community around the need for a political solution. The conviction is that only a political path, not a military one, can bring lasting peace.”

Efforts are currently centered on four main areas. The first is international recognition of a Palestinian state. France believes that triggering an “irreversible momentum” in this direction is crucial. Over 50 countries have recognized the Palestinian state, but none of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council from the West have yet done so.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed readiness to take this step, and his foreign minister has echoed that commitment.

A joint statement from France, the UK, and Canada earlier this week hinted at recognition, provoking sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned Paris against what he called a “reward for terrorism.”

The second pillar ties recognition of Palestine to normalization with Israel. “We want mutual recognition,” said a French foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasizing that both sides must be recognized for a two-state solution to be credible.

The third area focuses on reforming the Palestinian Authority, with calls for restructuring, democratic revitalization, and a firm stance against extremist factions. Paris views institutional reform as essential to ensuring the PA’s viability amid mounting pressure.

The fourth and most delicate component involves security guarantees for Israel. These include proposals to disarm Hamas, remove it from governing Gaza, and develop a regional security framework involving Israel.

Despite growing momentum, significant hurdles remain. Chief among them are the positions of the United States and Israel. Washington has yet to comment on the upcoming conference, and is widely viewed as hesitant to support unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Sources in Paris said Netanyahu has privately warned of “radical” reprisals if France proceeds with recognition, viewing such moves as undermining Israeli security and rewarding Hamas.