By: Sobha Beghoura
A few politicians have the ability to balance disciplined performance with diplomatic skill and social decorum. These factors combined are the foundations of success, power and victory, qualities that Saudi Arabia‘s leaders possess.
Saudi Arabia is witnessing a new era of challenges, prompting the Kingdom to continue the enduring mission entrusted to it since the advent of Islam. Hence, the Kingdom deploys its firm and consistent policy which serves as a valuable guide and a key influencer in significant events.
Hosting Mini-Arab Summit
Saudi Arabia hosted an informal meeting for the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Egypt and Jordan, at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman.
The consultative meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and coordination, as well as exchanging views on joint efforts to support the Palestinian cause. It also reviewed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, including calls to displace its people, and discussed Egypt’s proposal, which aims to serve as an alternative to Donald Trump’s plan and save Gaza from liquidation.
A Unified Arab Stance
The Saudi Crown Prince called for this mini-summit, which came well in advance of the Arab Summit scheduled for March 4, 2025, in Cairo, to develop a unified Arab position on the Palestinian cause.
This proactive move shows an insightful vision of the current situation in the Arab World, which is going through a state of fragmentation that could threaten consensus during critical decision-making. However, there is hope that majority will be the path towards saving the summit.
Trump-Putin Summit
Anticipations mount for the expected summit between the US President, Donald Trump, and the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in Saudi Arabia. Described as a “peace summit,” it will address ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict and restore US-Russia relations.
To this end, preparatory talks took place between delegations from both countries in Diriyah Palace on February 18, 2025. Saudi diplomacy is expected to play a pivotal role in orchestrating meetings in a way that serves the benefits of all parties.
Hosting such critical summits in Saudi Arabia has a great significance, as they provide the Kingdom with powerful international momentum, further bolstering its status by positioning it at the center of global diplomatic engagement.
Saudi Soft Power
Adopting a neutral stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has worked in Saudi Arabia’s favor, enabling it to bring together two superpowers in Riyadh to resolve their differences.
This underscores the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s soft power, especially that the Kingdom is a longstanding ally of the US and maintains relations of cooperation and coordination with Russia regarding oil policies, being the world’s largest crude oil exporter.
Saudi Arabia: A Peacemaker
Observers look optimistically to Saudi Arabia’s role as a central state for hosting meetings of major powers and opposing parties, solidifying its position as a mediator to reach solutions, not just a host country.
Furthermore, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personal ties with both Trump and Putin, beyond politics and diplomacy. Additionally, the Kingdom’s relations with both sides of the Atlantic, and the East and West, are balanced and reliable for all parties.
