US Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Role in Hosting Russian-Ukrainian Talks 

A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)
A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)
TT
20

US Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Role in Hosting Russian-Ukrainian Talks 

A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)
A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)

The United States expressed its gratitude for Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his wise leadership and patronage in hosting the talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Riyadh from March 23 to 25.

The high-profile talks took place in an atmosphere of constructive cooperation and mutual respect and resulted in a series of agreements that contribute to enhancing regional and international security and stability.

In a statement issued by the White House, the US emphasized that the talks once again demonstrated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a key mediator in advancing international peace and stability.

The United States and Russia agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, avoid the use of force or military strikes, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. The US will work with Russia to facilitate its access to global markets for the export of agricultural products and fertilizers by reducing maritime insurance costs and improving access to ports and payment systems related to export transactions.

The two sides also agreed to implement measures based on the agreement between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to ban targeting energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine. The United States and Russia welcomed third-party efforts to support the implementation of agreements concerning energy and maritime navigation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to pursue a durable and sustainable peace in the region.

The United States and Ukraine also reached an agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and avoid using commercial vessels for military purposes. The US confirmed its commitment to facilitating an agreement on prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children who had been forcibly taken to Russia.

Both sides also agreed to implement measures aligned with the agreement between Presidents Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to prohibit targeting energy facilities in either country. They welcomed the good offices of third countries supporting the implementation of energy and maritime-related agreements and reaffirmed their intent to continue working toward lasting peace in the region.

The statement underlined the United States’ commitment to advancing negotiations and supporting a peaceful resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict based on the understandings reached in Riyadh and in line with ongoing efforts to achieve lasting stability and peace.



Egypt and Kuwait Align on Gaza Reconstruction, Reject Displacement

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait. (KUNA)
TT
20

Egypt and Kuwait Align on Gaza Reconstruction, Reject Displacement

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait. (KUNA)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi concluded a three-day Gulf tour on Tuesday with a visit to Kuwait, following a stop in Qatar.

He held high-level talks with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in discussions described by analysts as both politically and economically significant given the volatile regional climate.

At the heart of the Egyptian-Kuwaiti summit were developments in the Gaza Strip, with both nations reaffirming the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the continuation of hostage and detainee exchanges, and the rapid entry of sufficient humanitarian aid, said a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

Both Cairo and Kuwait City expressed full support for the Arab plan to rebuild Gaza, stressing the importance of implementing the plan without delay once a ceasefire is reached.

The two leaders also reiterated their firm opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the need for a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue — one that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Sisi's visit underscored what Egyptian MP Mostafa Bakry described as “a unified and coordinated stance between Egypt and Kuwait, as well as with other Gulf and Arab nations, during a critical period for the region.”

He noted that the outcome of the talks demonstrated “a shared commitment to ending the war in Gaza and moving quickly to implement the Arab reconstruction plan — a key objective that signals to the world the Arab world’s unified rejection of displacement and any efforts to erase the Palestinian cause.”

Beyond Gaza, Sisi and Sheikh Meshal also discussed broader regional developments, including the ongoing crises in Syria and Sudan. The leaders expressed support for the sovereignty and stability of the two nations, along with continued backing for Yemen’s legitimate government.

They also emphasized the strategic importance of safeguarding maritime security in the Red Sea and regional waterways.

In remarks carried by the Egyptian presidency, the Kuwaiti Emir hailed Sisi’s visit as a testament to the “deep and historic ties” between their countries, calling it an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors — particularly economic and investment-related areas.

Sisi, for his part, affirmed Egypt’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Kuwait, especially in economic cooperation. He underlined the importance of increasing bilateral trade and investment to serve the mutual interests of both peoples.