Jeddah, 19 May, 2023 (GNP): Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia on Friday, aiming to rally support for his nation amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a significant development, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his willingness to mediate in the war between Moscow and Kyiv.
Addressing the summit, Crown Prince Mohammed affirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to continue its mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis through political means to ensure security. The Crown Prince has previously played a mediating role in the conflict.
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President Zelenskyy, who is scheduled to attend the G7 summit in Hiroshima this weekend, expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its past assistance and presented a 10-point peace plan to the delegates. He urged the participating nations to engage directly with Ukraine and work together without intermediaries.
While Gulf states have strived to remain neutral in the Ukraine conflict, Western pressure on Gulf oil producers to isolate Russia, a fellow OPEC+ member, has intensified.
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In his speech, President Zelenskyy highlighted that some countries, including Arab League members, have seemingly overlooked Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory and the imprisonment of Ukrainians during the 15-month war. He called for unity in freeing those unjustly detained by Russia.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia previously secured the release of 10 foreigners held captive by Russia in Ukraine, a diplomatic achievement attributed to the close ties between Crown Prince Mohammed and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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President Zelenskky expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s significant role and expressed his desire to elevate the bilateral cooperation to new heights. The visit comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s position as the world’s largest oil exporter has gained increased importance for both the United States and Russia amid the energy market volatility caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores Ukraine’s commitment to engaging with global partners and seeking support to bring an end to the conflict. The Ukrainian government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a peaceful resolution that ensures the security and freedom of its people.
