A Moroccan official praised on Friday the significant role played by Saudi Arabia and its leadership in releasing Moroccan Ibrahim Saadoun from captivity in Russia.
Official government spokesman Mustapha Baitas told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We are pleaded with Saadoun’s return home that was possible through the active diplomacy led by [Moroccan] King Mohammed VI.”
He also praised the “significant role of the Saudi mediation and its wise leadership.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had played a decisive role in the swap of ten captives, including Saadoun, who were held by pro-Russia separatists in Donetsk.
Saadoun had been in Kyiv since 2017 where he was studying at university. He joined the Ukrainian army at the start of the war with Russia this year.
Russian forces had detained him in Mariupol in April. He was sentenced to death by authorities in Donetsk for his “mercenary activity.”
