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.”



Saudi Arabia Approves over SAR 3 Billion in Ramadan Aid for Social Security Beneficiaries

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Arabia Approves over SAR 3 Billion in Ramadan Aid for Social Security Beneficiaries

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

Saudi Arabia has approved a grant to allocate over SAR 30 billion in Ramadan aid for social security beneficiaries.

The grant has been approved at the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and based on the proposal of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.

This initiative reflects the Saudi leadership's commitment to addressing the needs of families in need and ensuring their essential requirements during the holy month of Ramadan.

This support aligns with the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to enhance the quality of life and improve living standards for social security beneficiaries, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, expressed his appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for this generous initiative.

He emphasized that it reflects the leadership's commitment to supporting citizens and ensuring them a dignified life.