Fri Feb 21 03:22:53 UTC 2025: ## Saudi Arabia Positions Itself as Neutral Mediator in Global Conflicts

**Riyadh, February 21, 2025** – Saudi Arabia’s increasingly prominent role in mediating international conflicts is not a recent development, but rather a continuation of its long-standing tradition of assisting countries embroiled in disputes, according to leading Saudi commentators. This assertion was made at the Saudi Media Forum, held concurrently with ongoing peace initiatives in Riyadh.

The kingdom’s involvement in US-Russia dialogue on Ukraine, and its upcoming hosting of a mini-Arab summit on the Gaza crisis, are driven by the need to protect Arab interests and regional stability, commentators emphasized. They highlighted Saudi Arabia’s historical record of providing refuge and humanitarian aid, citing examples such as the generous treatment of Syrian refugees and assistance provided to former leaders like Pervez Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif. The King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Center, described as a major international relief organization, is a testament to this commitment, according to Jasser Al-Jasser, a historian and commentator on Saudi diplomacy.

The kingdom’s soft power strategy, built over decades through scholarship programs and diplomatic outreach, has been instrumental in fostering relationships with partner countries, added Jamil Al-Dhiyabi, Editor-in-Chief of Okaz newspaper. Mishary Al-Dhaidi, a senior journalist, further reinforced this, recalling Saudi Arabia’s open-border policy for Kuwaiti citizens during the Iraqi invasion.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscore Saudi Arabia’s active engagement in resolving the Ukraine conflict. The upcoming mini-Arab summit on the Gaza situation, involving GCC states, Egypt, and Jordan, further solidifies the kingdom’s role.

Saudi Arabia’s early opposition to a plan involving the transfer of Gaza’s population – a plan reportedly favored by former President Trump – demonstrates its steadfast commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While maintaining its commitment to this solution, commentators affirmed that Saudi Arabia has no inherent conflict with Israel.

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