Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager - Saudi position
0 seconds of 2 minutes, 53 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
Next Up
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager - Trump's Gaza plan
03:00
00:00
02:53
02:53
 
Short Url
Updated 23 February 2025
Follow

Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

  • Saudi strategic expert and think tank founder highlights Kingdom’s balancing act in diplomacy, maintaining relations with Russia while supporting Western stances
  • Dr. Abdulaziz Sager says Riyadh’s diplomatic influence extends to Gaza, where it rejects Palestinian displacement, remains committed to two-state solution

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh designed to re-establish fractured relations between Washington and Moscow and plot a course to ending the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia brokered the talks on Feb. 18, signaling its emerging influence on the world stage. It comes amid a growing recognition of the Kingdom’s potential role as a mediator, positioning it as a crucial bridge between East and West. Further talks are expected on Feb. 25.

Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener.

“Saudi Arabia has taken an important position that has led to this meeting, which means Saudi Arabia originally refused to take a side — neither with the Russians nor with the Ukrainians,” Sager said.

Global media outlets have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unique positioning, noting that it has maintained positive ties with both Russia and the West throughout the Ukraine conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched what it called a “special military operation.”

CNN said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the high-stakes rapprochement meeting between US and Russian officials “underlines the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.”

The US broadcaster also speculated that “another likely aim” could be pursuing “added leverage for Riyadh in future talks on the fate of postwar Gaza.”

Radio Free Europe likewise suggested the discussions represented an opportunity for Saudi Arabia “to assert its political clout after it rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s residents while resisting any normalization of relations with Israel.”




Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, spoke to Katie Jensen, host of the current affairs show “Frankly Speaking.” (AN Photo)

The fact that Riyadh “originally refused to take a side” is not to say it has condoned Russia’s behavior, nor failed to play a role in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, Sager said.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently voted against the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the UN, contributed aid and participated in prisoner exchanges.

“In fact, they took a position that they vote in the UN for the decision against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the GCC countries, they have taken, also, a very firm and clear position on that subject also,” Sager said.

“They have contributed to the humanitarian issue in Ukraine. They have participated in the release of some of the prisoners also — Ukrainian prisoners from the Russian side.

“And also, they have insisted, and this was stated during the visit of the (Saudi) foreign minister to Ukraine, confirming the position of Saudi Arabia on the unity of Ukraine.”

Sager added: “Yet, Saudi Arabia never wanted to be fully on the side of either, or what the American and the European countries … (said, which was): ‘Either you are with us or against us.’

“So, they have maintained relations with Russia. They never wanted to cut relations diplomatically with Russia, because Russia has been a very important and useful partner in OPEC+.”

This balanced approach, according to Sager, has allowed the Kingdom to maintain open lines of communication with both sides, creating an environment for dialogue.

The Feb. 18 talks in Riyadh were attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and on the Russian side by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and head of Moscow’s Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.

“It was a very important meeting that took place in Riyadh, attended by both the US secretary of state and the national security adviser. It brought the American and Russians together after many years when they did not get together, and also to discuss the current situation,” Sager told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen.

“And the result of that, of course, is to create a different committee between both sides to go in depth and in detailed discussion of the whole issue.”




Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh. (KSAMOFA)

While Ukraine was not directly involved in the Riyadh talks, Sager noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aware of the discussions. He also pointed to subsequent meetings in Paris involving European foreign ministers, where Ukraine was likely informed of the outcomes.

However, the absence of Ukraine from the initial talks has raised questions about inclusivity and just how sustainable a resulting peace deal might be. Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out accepting a peace deal negotiated without Ukraine.

Last Monday, European leaders held a hastily arranged summit in Paris — a day before the US-Russia talks in Riyadh — amid fears that Ukraine and Europe could be excluded from peace negotiations, raising concerns about the continent’s long-term security.

However, Sager clarified the Riyadh discussions extended beyond Ukraine, encompassing broader issues related to the US-Russia relationship.

These included the status of frozen Russian assets and sanctions, with some reports suggesting the easing of restrictions on credit card usage for Russians. Such measures could be seen as confidence-building steps aimed at fostering a more constructive dialogue.

Indeed, the Kingdom may soon play host to a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Looking ahead to future talks, Sager said: “Definitely, Ukraine will participate, and I think it was clearly stated by the US side (that) there will be participation from the Ukrainian side and the Europeans.”

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Sager reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. He sharply criticized US proposals that involve the deportation of Gazan people and the conversion of the Palestinian territory into a real estate project.

“The Saudi position never changed,” he said. “The Saudi position is still insisting on the two-state solution. If you have another solution, tell us.”




 Leaders of the GCC countries, Jordan and Egypt convened in Riyadh on Friday ahead of an emergency summit in Cairo. (AFP)

He dismissed alternative solutions as unacceptable, saying that such proposals are rejected by Arab countries. This regional consensus, he said, underscores the importance of a unified approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He also speculated that the US proposals could be aimed at achieving collective recognition and normalization with Israel, which he believes is unlikely to succeed.

“I don’t think that will happen because Saudi Arabia is leading the team, and if you remember, we had the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh here, and that summit did confirm with the 57 countries attending that a two-state solution is the way forward that we will be accepting.”

Sager highlighted the widespread international support for a Palestinian state, with 149 UN member countries already recognizing it.

“The solution that President Trump presented is unacceptable,” he said. “The deportation of the people of Gaza and converting it to a real estate project — and then, there is no guarantee that they will (go) back. I don’t think this is acceptable.

“And by the way, not only Saudi Arabia but also all GCC countries along with Egypt and Jordan reject such a thing. I think he wanted to divert attention from the two-state solution, that he will put the countries in the region here in a defensive position to defend themselves from not really getting to the two-state solution that they’ve always believed in.”

Sager highlighted the importance of a unified Palestinian position, urging Hamas and other factions to participate in a unified Palestinian Authority. This call for unity reflects the belief that a cohesive Palestinian voice is essential for achieving a lasting peace.

“Definitely the Arab countries and the Arab League will ask for a unified Palestinian position, a unified Palestinian Authority,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by some countries but suggested that individuals close to Hamas could be represented in the Palestinian Authority.

This nuanced approach recognizes the need to engage with all relevant stakeholders, even those with differing ideologies.




Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted to Katie Jensen the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener. (AN Photo)

 

Sager also addressed the issue of ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza, noting that they were taking place despite President Trump’s recent rhetoric. While acknowledging Trump’s tendency to escalate demands, he suggested that these threats often serve as a basis for compromise.

Regarding international legal cases against Israeli leaders, Sager affirmed the importance of pursuing justice and upholding international law.

He praised South Africa’s efforts in bringing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and emphasized the need to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.

“I think it’s worth pursuing because in the end, we need to respect international law and we need to respect the international court. And such an effort (that) has been put by South Africa (is) highly appreciated,” said Sager.

“And remember, the G7 meeting in 2025 will take place in South Africa. So, that effort has been appreciated, and I think that matter should continue because we should not give a chance for the genocide and those (who) commit such a crime to get away with it without getting to the court and getting to the legal side.”

Looking ahead, Sager expressed cautious optimism about the Middle East, citing successful ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza as positive developments.

However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.

“There are many cases still open,” he said. “We have almost seven countries in an almost failed state. The situation in the Arab world, we have Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Gaza, of course, the Palestinian side, all of those, there is a huge demand for reconstruction, which can cost trillions.”

Given the uneven recovery in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa, is Sager more or less optimistic about the region’s future than he was last year?

“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “But also with optimism, with cautious optimism, I see that there is a lot of hard work (that) needs to be done to overcome a lot of those issues.”

 

 


Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad

  • Invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan by Iraqi counterpart

RIYADH: King Salman received an official invitation from Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid on Sunday to attend the 34th regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, as well as the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, both set to be hosted by Iraq later this month.

The invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting in Riyadh with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials discussed ties between the two countries and reviewed key regional and international developments.

The meeting was also attended by Saud Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs.


Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health

Event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development.
Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health

  • Minister launches initiatives to enhance Kingdom’s workplace safety

RIYADH: The seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference opened in Riyadh on Sunday under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health.”

The three-day event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

Al-Rajhi launched initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia’s occupational safety and health system, including the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Compliance and Excellence Incentives Program, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide.

Al-Rajhi said that work-related deaths in Saudi Arabia have dropped to less than one per 100,000 workers since the council’s establishment.

Meanwhile, the number of locals in occupational safety and health roles has risen by 130 percent, reaching more than 29,000 by the end of 2024, compared with 2022.

Al-Rajhi also highlighted improvements in safety compliance and automation. “The compliance rate with safety standards reached 72 percent by the end of 2024, and the automation of safety procedures exceeded 62 percent, up from 30 percent in 2020.”

The conference draws high-ranking officials, experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as the challenges and opportunities in global labor markets.

It covers six key themes: workplace sustainability; digitization and technology in occupational safety; the economics of safety; the future of research and innovation; emerging challenges; and human behavior and safety culture.

This focus reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving work environments and achieving professional standards in line with global best practices, a key goal of Saudi Vision 2030.

The event highlights national efforts, displays modern technical trends, supports specialized research, and promotes the Kingdom’s legislative framework to international standards, contributing to the success of major national projects.

Al-Rajhi referred to international reports on workplace challenges. “International reports highlight the serious challenges facing work environments globally. Approximately 3 million worker deaths are recorded each year due to accidents and occupational diseases.”

He said about “395 million non-fatal work injuries occur annually. Statistics show 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths from heat stress, and 15 percent of workers globally suffer from mental disorders related to stressful work environments.”

The conference program includes specialized scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, where 30 innovative projects are being presented.

An accompanying exhibition features local and international organizations, with several significant agreements expected and new initiatives to advance the Kingdom’s occupational safety system.

The ministry also emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to securing a healthy work environment and ensuring worker safety, which enhances labor market competitiveness and overall quality of life.

Al-Rajhi said: “In line with Vision 2030, we aim to make work environments safer, higher quality, and more attractive. This supports employee well-being, boosts labor market competitiveness, and fosters a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.”

The General Organization for Social Insurance launched a directory for occupational safety and health standards at the conference, serving as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in the Kingdom.

This initiative aims to enhance safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards, as part of its broader strategy.

Based on international best practices, the directory provides clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and hazards.

It covers more than 4,500 standards in six main sectors: public industries; construction; agriculture; maritime activities; transport; and mining. It also classifies more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities.


Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival to start this week in Jazan

Jazan is set to open its 21st annual Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival next Wednesday at Sabya Front. (SPA)
Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival to start this week in Jazan

  • Region’s oldest agricultural festival is organized by the local branch of MEWA in cooperation with Sabya
  • Over the past 20 years, the festival has made significant contributions to increasing interest in the cultivation and expansion of mangoes and tropical fruits

RIYADH: Jazan is set to open its 21st annual Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival next Wednesday at Sabya Front where farmers will showcase more than 60 varieties of mangoes native to the region and other tropical fruits.

Mohammed Al-Atif, director general of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s Jazan branch, said that the festival is an ideal annual opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs to market their crops and products and expand their marketing base.

He pointed out that the region is home to more than 3.36 million trees of the six most popular tropical fruits: mango, fig, banana, guava, papaya and custard apple. From this the area produces of 123,311 tons of fruit annually, SPA reported.

The region’s oldest agricultural festival, which began in May 2005, the Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival is organized by the local branch of MEWA in cooperation with Sabya, a subdivision of the Jazan region, and other partners.

Al-Atif described the festival as one of the drivers that has helped develop the cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits, leading to an increase in the number of farmers, farms, trees, and production quantities.

Over the past 20 years, the festival has made significant contributions to increasing interest in the cultivation and expansion of mangoes and tropical fruits, investing in farmers’ efforts, and translating government plans aimed at boosting social and economic development.

The cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits in Jazan has made notable progress, according to the National Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah. More than 70 varieties of mangoes and tropical fruits — including guava, papaya, pineapple, and banana — have been cultivated and evaluated in the center’s research fields.

Dr. Khalid Al-Rohily, the acting director general of Estidamah, said: “We believe in the importance of research and development in strengthening the agricultural sector, especially in the cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits, which represent a major economic asset for the Jazan region.

“We are committed to supporting farmers by transferring knowledge and modern technologies, enabling them to improve productivity and enhance economic growth for beneficiaries.”

The center’s farm fields span over 40 hectares, where they conduct experiments to improve production quality and, later, transfer research results.

These initiatives are part of the center’s vision to support farmers and promote the use of modern agricultural technologies and practices, contributing to sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

These efforts are expected to boost productivity and improve farmers’ incomes, further strengthening Jazan’s position as a leading agricultural hub in the Kingdom.


Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria

The Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments holds its 46th meeting in the Algerian capital. (SPA)
Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria

  • Meeting was held on the sidelines of the 38th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Algiers

RIYADH: The Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments held its 46th meeting in the Algerian capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

It was chaired by Mohammed Al-Mutairi, secretary-general of the Saudi Shoura Council and chairman of the association, in the presence of heads of Arab councils and parliaments.

The meeting focused on developing employees’ technical and administrative skills, the SPA reported.

The secretaries-general shared insights on best practices in human resource development, emphasizing skill enhancement and adequate training for legislative staff.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 38th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Algiers, where the agenda was reviewed and various topics related to cooperation and the strengthening of joint Arab action were discussed.

Established on April 3, 1995, the association aims to build bridges of cooperation between Arab and international councils and parliaments.


Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations

Stationed at more than 20 locations, Transport General Authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims.
Updated 04 May 2025
Follow

Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations

  • Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority have begun early operations at entry points to the Makkah region, the holy sites, and Madinah as part of preparations to serve pilgrims during Hajj.

Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Their daily operations focus on ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims and verifying that all licensed operators comply with regulations.

The authority has instructed all transport operators to follow approved guidelines during the pilgrimage season.

These include using designated routes, securing operating licenses, and avoiding entry into Hajj-regulated areas without authorization.

It also emphasized that drivers must wear approved uniforms and obtain vehicle operating cards, the SPA reported.

The authority highlighted its continued cooperation with government agencies to ensure safe and secure transport for all pilgrims.

The public s been advised that reports and inquiries can be submitted via the unified number 19929 or through the authority’s Beneficiary Care account on social media.