Saudi Arabia is Ready to Become a Mediator in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Prince Faisal: We are in Dialogue With All Partners

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday, Riyadh is ready to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He said the kingdom supported international efforts to find a political solution to help quell the crisis.

"I confirmed to His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Russia the kingdom's readiness to exert all efforts to mediate between the parties," Prince Faisal said after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reported by The National News March 10.

Prince Faisal's visit to Moscow comes two weeks after a trip to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, then held a press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Lavrov said Saudi Arabia and other countries had played an important role in arranging the prisoner exchange with Ukraine.

In September, Russia released 10 prisoners of war captured in Ukraine following diplomatic mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"We are in dialogue with all partners, including Washington, on international issues and Saudi Arabia is facilitating the exchange of prisoners of war with Ukraine," Prince Faisal explained.

Saudi Arabia maintains strong ties with Kyiv and Moscow. In October, the kingdom pledged $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which the Saudi government said was to "relieve the suffering of the Ukrainian people".

During discussions with Lavrov, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia is coordinating closely with Russia on the energy market and is committed to the OPEC+ deal between OPEC members and allies.

Regarding the continuing conflict in Yemen, the Saudi foreign minister said Riyadh is committed to seeking a permanent ceasefire, starting a political process towards peace talks.