Saudi Arabia is ‘neutral setting’ for US-Russia talks, says political commentator

Special Saudi Arabia is ‘neutral setting’ for US-Russia talks, says political commentator
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, during talks between Russia and the US in Riyadh on Feb. 18, 2025. (X/@KSAMOFA)
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Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia is ‘neutral setting’ for US-Russia talks, says political commentator

Saudi Arabia is ‘neutral setting’ for US-Russia talks, says political commentator
  • Kingdom has engaged in policy of maintaining ties with ‘key players in the world’
  • Latest meeting highlights increasing role as international mediator

RIYADH: US-Russia talks taking place in Riyadh today exemplify Saudi Arabia’s position as a “neutral setting,” with the Kingdom having engaged in a policy of building ties with various nations, according to a political commentator.

“(Saudi Arabia) has close ties to Russia, America, to China, to the European Union, to the BRICS countries. Saudi Arabia has built a stature where it has maintained excellent ties with all the key players of the world,” Ali Shihabi said.

He said that the Kingdom has pursued a multilateral foreign policy in building close relationships with various nations, particularly in the past five years.

Russia and the US agreed after the Riyadh meeting to begin working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving ties, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Associated Press.

Saudi Arabia’s mediation efforts have gained renewed attention following the country’s role in dialogue over the Russia-Ukraine war.

In 2024, the Kingdom played an influential role as a mediator, and was responsible for facilitating the biggest US-Russian prisoner swap since the Cold War, according to Reuters.

The exchange involved 24 prisoners — 16 moving from Russia to the West and eight sent back to Russia from the West.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also reportedly involved in a negotiating a Ukraine-Russia prisoner swap in 2022 involving more than 300 people.

Shihabi said that the meeting in Riyadh between Russia and the US “is really a result of the crown prince’s close relationships.”

He said: “Both parties look upon Riyadh and look upon the crown prince as a friend — in a way this is a neutral setting.”

Shihabi underlined that European countries “are hostile to Russia.”

He said that Saudi Arabia is an ideal host for the peace talks because of its “neutrality,” having been a close ally to both countries.

“Saudi Arabia did not impose sanctions on the Russians, it works closely with the Russians in OPEC+, it’s very close to the Americans, it was a place that both parties were comfortable coming to,” Shihabi said.

The meeting in Riyadh came about following phone calls US President Trump had separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and then Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 12.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office following the calls, Trump said: “I think we are on the way to getting peace, I think President Putin wants peace, President Zelensky wants peace, and I want peace. I just want to see people stop getting killed.

“We think we’re going to probably meet in Saudi Arabia, the first meeting. We know the crown prince, and I think it would be a very good place to be.”

Shihabi underlined that the Kingdom’s hosting of the talks signals the country’s “very prestigious position,” adding that “it shows the respect that both Russia and America have for Saudi Arabia.”


Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid

Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
Updated 14 March 2025
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Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid

Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
  • The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's aid agency KSrelief recently launched its Etaam Ramadan project in Djibouti to deliver 6,640 food parcels for the benefit of 9,840 people, state news agency SPA reported on Friday.

The announcement comes as KSrelief continues to deliver food to some of the world’s most needy during the holy month.

In Nigeria’s Kebbi state there were 433 parcels delivered, benefiting 2,598 people. And in Bucharest and Constanta in Romania, a further 299 packages to aid 1,495 people were distributed.

Also, 172 packages were sent to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and vulnerable families in the Lebanese governorate of Mount Lebanon.

And in Bangladesh’s Naogaon town, 250 were sent for 1,250 people.

In the Teyarett district of the Mauritanian capital, 220 parcels were sent for the benefit of 1,320 people.

The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million), the SPA added.


Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined

Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
Updated 14 March 2025
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Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined

Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
  • Saudi attorney general decision effective March 1
  • Addicted individuals will be given choice of rehab

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib has outlined the list of criminal offences related to the drug methamphetamine.

Sheikh Saud’s decision, dated March 1, 2025, is a part of efforts to combat the use and distribution of drugs in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The criminal offences that warrant arrest include possession, smuggling, obtaining, purchasing, transporting and manufacture. In addition, personal use and consumption are also criminal offences.

Methamphetamine — also known as shabu, crystal meth, or the poor man’s cocaine —  causes serious psychological and behavioral disorders, and contributes to the rise in crime and violence.

As such, the scourge has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with deterrent legislation and decisions, the report stated.

While the law against drug trafficking and abuse is harsh, it also allows for individuals to seek reform and rehabilitation.

Article 42 of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law stipulates that the user “shall be granted the opportunity to receive treatment.”

The legislation further states that this can be done without “legal accountability, by not filing a lawsuit against the user or addict, if he or one of his relatives comes forward intending to receive treatment.”

In addition, the law requires that the person “hands over the narcotic or psychotropic substances” and provide “information about their location.”


Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
Updated 14 March 2025
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Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.

The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.

Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.


Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.

The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.


Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.

The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.

The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.