Saudi Arabia, Ukraine discuss efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia and Ukraine have discussed efforts to achieve comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Tuesday.
According to a joint statement carried by the SPA following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the Saudi port city of Jeddah on Monday, the Saudi prince expressed the hope that efforts will succeed in ending the war in line with international law and the UN Charter, including respect for the principles of sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.
Zelensky, for his part, expressed his appreciation for the kingdom's efforts in this regard and gratitude for the humanitarian and development aid the kingdom has provided to Ukraine.
Both sides commended the strong economic ties between the two countries and emphasized the importance of joint action to develop the volume of trade exchange.
The two sides also welcomed the upcoming re-establishment of the Saudi-Ukrainian Business Council in 2025.
Zelensky arrived in Jeddah on Monday, ahead of talks between US and Ukrainian delegations that began in the city earlier on Tuesday. He left earlier on Tuesday without participating in the talks.
The talks came about two weeks after a US-Ukraine minerals deal was called off. US military assistance to Ukraine was also suspended after US President Donald Trump and Zelensky were embroiled in a rare shouting match at the White House on Feb 28.
According to Al-Arabiya News, Ukraine will propose to the United States a plan for a partial ceasefire in an initiative to regain the White House's support. The White House has been demanding that Ukraine make concessions to end its three-year war with Russia.
