Zelenskyy Thanks Saudi Arabia for Peace Efforts Ahead of…

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Kingdom’s role in peace efforts regarding the Ukraine crisis during a recent meeting in Jeddah. With essential US-Ukraine talks approaching, both leaders emphasized the importance of international cooperation and dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, where he expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s significant role in peace initiatives related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting occurred prior to critical discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives focusing on peace efforts. The Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for international endeavors aimed at resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the helpful insights shared by Prince Mohammed, emphasizing his appreciation for the Kingdom’s ongoing peace facilitation. He stated, “I am grateful for his wise perspective on global affairs and support for Ukraine. It was especially important to hear words of confidence in Ukraine’s future.” The Ukrainian leader highlighted the potential benefits of stronger bilateral relations for both nations and beyond.

Moreover, the Saudi Foreign Ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting international peace efforts, which include mediating discussions and facilitating prisoner exchanges since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. This involvement underscores Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach in managing the dynamics of the conflict.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz met with the Crown Prince to express appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s mediation in the negotiations. Rubio emphasized the significance of the Kingdom in aiding discussions aimed at a stable and enduring peace. Their meetings also covered related regional issues such as Yemen, Syria, and Gaza reconstruction.

The forthcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, spanning three days, will address a bilateral minerals agreement and strategies for concluding hostilities in Ukraine. These talks, marking the first formal interaction between Ukrainian and US officials since Zelenskyy’s previous meeting with former President Trump, signal a strategic shift in US policy toward direct engagement with Russia while modifying military support for Ukraine.

In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman illustrates Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in facilitating peace discussions regarding the Ukraine crisis. The collaboration between Ukraine and the US, particularly in the upcoming talks, aims at a political and diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict, signifying a shift in US engagement strategies amidst international pressures.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com