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)
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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.



Saudi Interior Minister, Singapore's Coordinating Minister for National Security Discuss Regional Security Development

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Interior Minister, Singapore's Coordinating Minister for National Security Discuss Regional Security Development

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received a phone call on Sunday from Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs of the Republic of Singapore K Shanmugam.

During the call, the two officials discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and current security developments amid the Iranian attacks targeting regional security and stability, SPA reported.

They also affirmed the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation and coordination in support of regional security and stability, in addition to discussing a number of topics of mutual interest.

Shanmugam expressed his country's condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, affirming Singapore's solidarity with the Kingdom and the GCC states in all measures aimed at enhancing security and stability.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Riots Targeting UAE Embassy in Damascus

Saudi Arabia called for the protection of diplomatic missions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia called for the protection of diplomatic missions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Riots Targeting UAE Embassy in Damascus

Saudi Arabia called for the protection of diplomatic missions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia called for the protection of diplomatic missions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday the riots, assaults, and attempted vandalism that targeted the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom also slammed the “unacceptable offenses directed at the national symbols of the brotherly UAE.”

The ministry stressed the Kingdom’s “rejection of these attacks and all forms of violence against diplomats, stressing the need to ensure the protection of diplomats and diplomatic missions in line with relevant international laws and conventions.”

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi also slammed the attack against the UAE embassy in Damascus, urging Syrian authorities to hold those responsible to account.


Oman, Iran Hold Talks on Strait of Hormuz

Traffic passing a huge political billboard reading in Persian "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed", in Enghelb square in Tehran, Iran, 05 April 2026. (EPA)
Traffic passing a huge political billboard reading in Persian "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed", in Enghelb square in Tehran, Iran, 05 April 2026. (EPA)
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Oman, Iran Hold Talks on Strait of Hormuz

Traffic passing a huge political billboard reading in Persian "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed", in Enghelb square in Tehran, Iran, 05 April 2026. (EPA)
Traffic passing a huge political billboard reading in Persian "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed", in Enghelb square in Tehran, Iran, 05 April 2026. (EPA)

Oman and Iran held talks on easing passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Omani state news agency reported Sunday, with the key shipping chokepoint effectively closed due to war in the Middle East.

"Oman and Iran held a meeting at the deputy ministers level in the foreign ministries of the two countries, with the attendance of specialists from both sides, during which the possible options were discussed regarding ensuring the smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz," the news agency posted on X.

"The experts from both sides put forward a number of visions and proposals regarding it," it added.