https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/ukraine-talks-show-saudi-arabia-now-major-diplomatic-player
Riyadh is hosting the talks at the request of US President Donald Trump, who has thrust the kingdom into the diplomatic spotlight. Whether or not the current Ukraine talks succeed, Arab states and their populations will now expect Saudi Arabia to play a more dynamic role in resolving regional conflicts.
There are several reasons why Trump chose Saudi Arabia as the venue for such important talks: his penchant for putting personality over process, the kingdom’s role in securing the release of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners, and his willingness to use its “good offices” to facilitate bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
During Trump’s first term, his son-in-law and then senior adviser Jared Kushner played a key role in brokering the deal and strengthening ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After leaving office, Kushner secured a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund for his private equity firm, Affinity Partners.
Regardless of the outcome of the talks, Saudi Arabia sees holding international talks as a major victory. It now appears that Saudi Arabia will outshine its neighbors and play a leading role in international mediation, such as in the case of negotiations on Syria, Iran, or the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
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