Zelensky’s Visit to Saudi Arabia: Riyadh’s Diplomatic Aspirations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom aims to redefine its image as a global mediator. Historically reliant on oil and security, Saudi Arabia is actively engaging in international conflicts, including the Ukraine crisis. Despite facing criticism over human rights abuses, Riyadh is determined to leverage its diplomatic ties and broaden its role in conflict resolution efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom aims to enhance its image as a global mediator. Engaging nations like Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington, Saudi Arabia seeks to transition from a reputation of repression to one of diplomacy, utilizing its international connections to influence conflict resolution efforts effectively.

The upcoming discussions between Zelensky and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlight Riyadh’s emerging role in global diplomacy. Historically recognized primarily for its oil wealth and security presence, Saudi Arabia is now attempting to act as a mediator in various international disputes while addressing its challenging human rights record.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has showcased its ability to facilitate negotiations, exemplified by its efforts in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. Notably, in September 2022, Saudi involvement was crucial in the release of ten foreign prisoners, including Americans and Britons captured in Ukraine, thereby underscoring Riyadh’s diplomatic efficacy amid international tensions.

As the foremost global oil producer, Saudi Arabia acknowledges that sustained conflict and resulting sanctions hinder energy market stability, motivating it to pursue diplomatic resolutions. Thus, Riyadh’s strategy encompasses a broader diplomatic agenda beyond the Ukraine crisis, extending to regions such as Sudan, Iran, and Syria, striving to promote dialogue over punitive actions to foster global peace and stability.

For the United States, maintaining a cooperative relationship with Saudi Arabia in diplomatic collaborations is vital for advancing the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations. Former senior adviser Aryeh Lightstone emphasized this importance, noting Israel’s transition from regional isolation to a state engaging with significant countries in the area.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s established influence in the Middle East positions it as a key participant in deepening the accords and signifies its preparedness to engage diplomatically with rivals, such as Iran. By supporting Saudi initiatives, the U.S. can further its strategic objectives in the Middle East while ensuring alignment with Western peace initiatives.

Saudi Arabia has faced considerable international criticism due to its history of human rights violations, particularly following the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul, purportedly authorized by the Crown Prince, a claim that Riyadh strongly refutes. Despite its diplomatic efforts, the Kingdom is still recognized for its oppressive measures regarding women’s rights and dissent.

The recent imprisonment of women’s rights activist Salma al-Shehab, who was sentenced to 34 years for advocating reforms, exemplifies ongoing civil rights concerns. Furthermore, high execution rates and mass executions in Saudi Arabia have drawn significant condemnation. In 2022, the Kingdom executed 81 individuals in a single day under broad charges of terrorism, further complicating its efforts to enhance its international image.

In light of these issues, Saudi Arabia is actively working to reposition itself as a responsible global dealmaker, demonstrating its diplomatic prowess through initiatives like the recently brokered Russia-Ukraine prisoner swaps and high-level summits. However, the exclusion of both the European Union and Ukraine from meetings raises questions regarding the inclusivity of its mediating role.

In conclusion, President Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a pivotal moment, as the Kingdom seeks to reestablish itself as a credible mediator in global conflicts. While Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic engagements, particularly regarding Ukraine, reflect a strategic shift towards fostering international relationships, its historical human rights abuses present ongoing challenges. Balancing its ambitions for a peaceful global image with the realities of its domestic policies will be crucial for Riyadh’s aspirations in the international arena.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr