|
Listen to article
|
The Gulf monarchies have worked to maintain a neutral stance in the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as per the Saudi Press Agency’s report, the discussions between the Saudi prince and Russian minister centered on “recent international and regional developments.”
Earlier on Monday, Lavrov met with foreign ministers of the GCC, a Riyadh-based organisation comprising Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, all traditionally partners of the United States.
Read Also: Pope Francis Explores ‘New Eden’ In Papua New Guinea
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Saudi Arabia, the leading exporter of crude oil globally, has worked closely with Moscow on oil policy and has established connections with both Moscow and Kyiv. As a result, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a potential mediator.
On multiple occasions, the Gulf monarchy hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, including when he attended an Arab League summit in Jeddah in May 2023.
The kingdom has promised hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including for Ukrainian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries.
During a press conference, GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed the “neutrality” of the whole Council.
He told reporters that the GCC countries “stand at equal distance” between Russians and Ukrainians.
In late August, the United Arab Emirates revealed that it had facilitated a swap of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia, which resulted in the freedom of 230 detainees.
Emirati mediation in June resulted in a prisoner of war exchange involving 90 prisoners from each side.
In September 2022, Riyadh helped free several foreign fighters held in Ukraine, including two Americans and five Britons.
