Saudi Arabia reiterated its support to peace efforts that aim to end the conflict in Sudan, during a meeting held in Mauritania, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister, Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, on Wednesday participated in the Third Consultative Meeting on Enhanced Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts for Sudan, on behalf of the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Peace Efforts
During his speech, Al-Khuraiji highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan. These efforts included co-hosting, alongside the US, the warring parties in Sudan at the first round of Jeddah Talks.
The talks resulted in both sides signing the Jeddah Declaration, including a commitment to protecting civilians in Sudan, in addition to signing a short-term ceasefire agreement.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia hosted the second round of Jeddah Talks, aiming to reach a sustainable political solution that safeguards Sudan’s security and stability, and prevents the State’s institutions from collapse.
Ending Humanitarian Suffering
During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji emphasized the importance of the continued coordination with the Arab, Islamic and friendly countries to bring the fighting in Sudan to an end and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
In the light of this, the Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister said: “The Kingdom reiterates that the solution to the crisis in Sudan starts with ceasefire and enhancing humanitarian response.”
The next stage is “paving the way for a future political process that ensures Sudan’s security and stability; maintains its unity, sovereignty and independence; and stops foreign meddling,” he added.
Commitment to Jeddah Declaration
Moreover, Al-Khuraiji stressed that the warring parties’ commitment to protecting Sudanese civilians, in line with the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, is “a step in the right direction anticipated by us and the Sudanese people, who are bearing the brunt of this devastating war.”
Al-Khuraiji also said that the Kingdom welcomes international efforts towards addressing the Sudan crisis. He praised the recent decisions made by the Sudanese Armed Forces.
These included extending the opening of the Adre border crossing with Chad, and opening the airports of Kassala, Dongola, and El Obeid, as well as the Kadugli crossing to deliver humanitarian aid.
