Jeddah prepares for Ukraine negotiations, Russia not invited
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The official Saudi Press Agency says that the convention highlights the Kingdom's "readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace".
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 19, 2023. (Saudi Press Agency/AP)
The Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah is hosting talks at the moment, regarding the war on Ukraine, although expectations are not as high.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency on Friday, the convention highlights the Kingdom's "readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace", adding that national security advisers will be in attendance alongside "representatives of a number of countries". Additionally, sources familiar with the invitation list and plans, claim that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is likely to attend.
Around 30 countries received invitations but Russia was not among them, as confirmed by diplomats familiar with the convention. The meeting is due to take place tomorrow, August 6.
On Friday, China, which has described itself as a neutral party in this conflict, announced it would deploy its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated: "China is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".
Read more: Zelensky has his eyes set on 'peace summit' in autumn, without Russia
India has already confirmed its attendance and labeled the decision as being in line "with our longstanding position" that "dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward". Other nations such as South Africa confirmed it would be participating as well, and France claimed its delegation was being led by President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic adviser, Emmanuel Bonne.
China previously did not attend similar talks in Copenhagen in late June, and it has recently kept close ties with Moscow, despite mounting US and Western pressure to condemn Vladimir Putin. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is attempting to play a stronger role in Ukraine's diplomacy.
