The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia succeeded in restoring the glow of the Arab summits, not in terms of Arab attention, but by imposing itself on global news through stances, and not necessarily decisions.
Amid a tumultuous international scene represented by the war in Ukraine, and in the Arab world, by the military confrontations in Sudan, the complications in Libya, as well as the presidential crisis in Lebanon and the situation in Syria, the Arab summit needed clear stances, not words.
The most important positions that emerged at the Jeddah summit, and with Saudi political and diplomatic perceptiveness, is the address of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke to the world from Saudi Arabia, in the presence of Arab leaders who sympathize with Ukraine, others who are biased towards Russia, those who really need neutrality, and a few leaders who do not care at all.
The value and importance of the Saudi role can be summed up in several points. Riyadh had the last say on whether to invite Zelensky or Bashar al-Assad, both of whom sit on opposite sides, but their presence indicated that politics was about communication, interaction and search for solutions.
In the Ukrainian case, Saudi Arabia demonstrated - by inviting Zelensky - its support for peace, stability, territorial integrity, and respect for international covenants.
The Kingdom gave the Ukrainian president an opportunity to address all Arabs from the Great Arab House, Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh also proved, through this invitation, and by previously hosting American, Chinese, Gulf and Arab summits, that it is a major capital with international dimensions. Its role is not limited to raising mere slogans. It created partnership opportunities to enhance its Vision 2030, and wanted the Arabs to share this goal through the Jeddah summit.
As for the Syrian file, experience tells us that there are no magic solutions. It is a Saudi attempt to turn the page of past differences, by providing new openings based on the Kingdom’s focus on development and the promotion of investment opportunities.
Therefore, I consider the Saudi position towards Syria as an attempt to establish an argument, and to enhance Arab opportunities, based on the words of Prince Faisal bin Farhan. In response to a question about whether the political settlement in Syria will precede economic steps, he said: “Nothing will precede anything. It is a step-by-step matter.”
It is true that the Jeddah Summit involved a lot of good intentions, but it was a relentless endeavor in search of promising prospects to solve crises, create opportunities, and pave the way for development. This is the main Saudi concern, internally and externally.
Therefore, the Crown Prince’s speech was not devoid of talk about development, investment and stability, which was echoed by the Saudi Foreign Minister in his press conference. This is also the rhetoric of Saudi Arabia, since the launch of Vision 2030.
The Jeddah Summit constituted a chance for those who want to catch up with the Saudi train of Arab progress, modernization and development, and a clear message to the West that Saudi Arabia is in the battle of searching for Arab and international growth opportunities, not conflicts.
Thus, the world seized the message of the summit. This was evident in the release of the picture of the arrival of the Ukrainian president to the city of Jeddah. It was not a propaganda shot, but rather a blatant message that Riyadh owns the decision, and it wants the Arabs to do so.
This is what has been achieved, and that is why Saudi Arabia restored the glow of the Arab Summit.
