Negotiations on Ukraine in Riyadh: How Saudi Arabia Became an Important Diplomatic Player.

Saudi Arabia May Actively Mediate in Regional Conflicts

Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations on Ukraine, Arab states expect Saudi Arabia to take a more active role in resolving regional conflicts and the Israeli-Palestinian issue, reports Chatham House.

The first president to make a foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump, placed great importance on relations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During this visit, a defense agreement worth $109 billion was signed.

After leaving office, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner received an investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, further confirming the importance of personal relationships between these countries.

Thanks to Saudi mediation, an agreement on prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine was reached in 2022. This enhanced Saudi Arabia's reputation as a neutral partner.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia has played an important role in mediating other conflicts, such as the peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, as well as reconciling factions in Sudan.

Chatham House states that Saudi Arabia will play a leading role in international mediation, peacekeeping, and security. This could strengthen its position in case negotiations between Iran and the US are revived. It also alleviates the pressure that Trump placed on them regarding sensitive regional issues.

However, with the new role of Saudi Arabia come new responsibilities and high expectations. The country will be involved in resolving regional conflicts and will participate in the implementation of agreements and subsequent steps.