Zelensky in Jeddah: A bold showcase of Saudi diplomacy

The presence of Ukraine’s president alongside Arab leaders showed the global diplomatic influence and convening power the Kingdom has taken on

SPA

Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky in Jeddah: A bold showcase of Saudi diplomacy

Khattar Abu Diab

last update on 25 May 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation in the Arab Summit in Jeddah surprised the international community, resonating in decision-making capitals and international forums across the world.

It showcased Saudi Arabia’s remarkable diplomatic boldness at a time of intense global polarisation. The 32nd Arab Summit demonstrated the Kingdom's ability to undertake balanced and targeted initiatives, reaffirming its pivotal role in the Middle East and the greater world.

Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia from Poland on a French government plane.

The specific details of Paris's involvement in setting up his role in Jeddah remained undisclosed, but Élysée Palace sources hinted that it followed on from his "significant" participation in the G7 meeting in Japan. He travelled to Japan on the same plane that took him to Jeddah.

Zelensky’s appearance was heralded around the world’s political and media circles as a successful diplomatic coup, orchestrated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the summit's host.

SPA — Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky's appearance was heralded around the world's political and media circles as a successful diplomatic coup, orchestrated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the summit's host.

"Ukraine never chose this war (...) but we will never submit."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks in Jeddah after a surprise visit to the Arab League summit pic.twitter.com/8Rfs4tUktp
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) May 19, 2023

An EU diplomatic source in Brussels described the invitation as a continuation of Saudi Arabia's pragmatic neutrality in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Despite Moscow's increasing influence in the Middle East and Saudi-Russian cooperation within Opec Plus, the Kingdom has maintained its impartial stance.

The policy has won Riyadh influence on both sides of the conflict. In September 2022, Saudi Arabia mediated between Moscow and Kyiv to exchange 10 prisoners of war, attracting considerable attention.

Riyadh supported United Nations resolutions condemning Russia's invasion and annexation of Ukrainian territories. It provided $400 million in humanitarian aid to Kyiv but resisted US pressure to increase oil production to curb Russian revenues.

Diplomatic influence

Prince Mohammed bin Salman's actions align with his efforts to neutralise the region, shielding it from the conflicts involving regional and major powers. His inaugural speech emphasised the need to prevent it from becoming a "zone of conflicts."

Prince Mohammed bin Salman's actions align with his efforts to neutralise the region, shielding it from the conflicts involving regional and major powers. His inaugural speech emphasised the need to prevent it from becoming a "zone of conflicts."

The Crown Prince believes that the Jeddah summit distinguished itself from its predecessors by re-establishing unity among Arab nations, including the return of Syria.

This landmark moment was a direct result of the new regional atmosphere, aimed at resolving problems rather than allowing the region to become a stage for others' conflicts, ultimately compromising the development and prosperity of its people.

Cartoon: After the Jeddah Summit

By extending the invitation to Zelensky and working towards Arab reunification, including Syria, the Saudi leadership sent a clear message that it aspires to play a leading Arab and regional role driven primarily by its own interests.

It also signifies a wider global perspective to define an appropriate diplomatic approach to dealing with other major international powers.

The presence at one gathering of various allies of Russia's President Vladimir alongside his arch-rival President Zelensky was revealing. As was the arrival of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria.

It showed Riyadh's inclination to enhance its role in conflict resolution and keep pace with significant regional and international developments.

The presence of both al-Assad and Zelensky showed Riyadh's inclination to enhance its role in conflict resolution and keep pace with significant regional and international developments.

Common Arab interest system

Saudi Arabia is setting up a "common Arab interest system" by containing tensions, resolving issues, and managing differences.

It is a move away from international polarisation. Instead, it prioritises development, cooperation, investment, and the reconstruction of Arab nation-states.

Riyadh's successful adoption of an active diplomatic role at the regional level has already been productive. Achievements include the restoration of relations with Iran, efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab League and mediation in the war in Sudan conflict.

Full Text of the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed in Jeddah.

: https://t.co/FQBE2CQKil pic.twitter.com/DCQpclXRlu
— Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) May 20, 2023

The diplomatic audacity of inviting Ukraine's president and tackling one of the globe's most critical issues caught the attention of the world.

It meant the Jeddah Summit became a turning point, showcasing the importance of the Arab world on the international stage and reaffirming the influential, independent role taken on by Saudi Arabia.

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