In 2023, Saudi Arabia emerged as a pivotal diplomatic player
on the world stage, marking a year of strategic alignments and hosting a series
of significant global summits.
This remarkable ascendancy in international diplomacy was
not only a testament to the Kingdom's growing geopolitical influence but also
signaled a new era in its foreign policy approach.
The year saw Saudi Arabia navigate complex regional and
international terrains with adeptness and agility, showcasing its capacity to
manage crises and foster dialogue across a spectrum of global issues.
From orchestrating large-scale evacuations in conflict zones
to brokering historic diplomatic reconciliations, the actions of Kingdom were
marked by a combination of strategic foresight and diplomatic finesse.
Amidst a landscape of shifting alliances and emerging
challenges, Saudi Arabia's role as a convener of critical discussions and a
mediator in international disputes underscored its commitment to stability and
cooperation.
As the world witnessed the unfolding of these diplomatic
endeavors, the Kingdom solidified its position as a central player in shaping
the global agenda.
Throughout the months of the year, the Kingdom hosted
several significant international summits.
In August, Jeddah hosted a meeting concerning the Ukrainian
crisis, attended by national security advisors from around 40 countries.
Then in October, a historic first summit took place between
the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN).
In response to the developments in Gaza, an extraordinary
Arab-Islamic summit was convened in Riyadh in November to address the Israeli
aggression.
This was followed by a Saudi-African summit and the year
concluded with a Saudi-Russian summit after Russian President Vladimir Putin's
visit to Riyadh.
Saudi-Iranian
Relations Resumed
On March 10, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the resumption
of diplomatic ties, with a plan to reopen embassies and diplomatic missions
within 60 days, following Chinese-brokered talks.
The tripartite statement stressed the importance of
respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in internal matters.
The embassies were officially reopened later in the year,
and in November, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Saudi Arabia for the
first time since the resumption of relations to participate in the Arab-Islamic
summit about Gaza.
Saudi
Evacuation Efforts in Sudan
In April, as the situation in Sudan abruptly escalated, the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mobilized its naval fleet in a globally lauded
initiative.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the
evacuation of over 5,000 people from 100 countries, including 184 Saudis, amid
clashes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces. This was described
as one of the largest successful evacuation operations globally.
Gulf
and Central Asia Summit
In a continuation of strategic and political dialogues,
Jeddah hosted a summit in July for leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and
the five Central Asian countries.
The summit emphasized enhancing strategic dialogue and
political cooperation between the two sides, fostering partnerships in various
fields including political and security dialogue, economic and investment
cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
Jeddah
Meeting on the Ukrainian Crisis
Jeddah hosted peace talks concerning the Ukrainian crisis in
August. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, a member of the Saudi
Cabinet and National Security Advisor, was attended by national security
advisors from about 30 countries.
Gulf
and ASEAN Summit
In a historic first, leaders of 16 Gulf and Asian countries
met in Riyadh in October. A joint action plan for 2024-2028 was initiated to
map a clear road map and enhance cooperation and partnership in various fields,
serving the shared interests of both regions.
Saudi-African
Summit
Continuing its active foreign policy, Saudi Arabia hosted a
Saudi-African summit in Riyadh in November.
The summit concluded with both sides committing to
developing cooperation and partnership in development and laying foundations
for continental integration for a sustainable future.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and
Prime Minister, announced the launch of the King Salman Development Initiative
in Africa during the summit, aiming to establish developmental projects and
programs across the continent valued at over one billion dollars over ten
years.
Extraordinary
Arab-Islamic Summit
Due to the severity of the situation following Israeli
aggression on Gaza, Saudi Arabia called for an extraordinary Arab-Islamic
summit in Riyadh in November.
More than 57 countries participated in the summit, which
concluded with significant decisions, including breaking the Israeli blockade
on Gaza and emphasizing the need to stop the war and end the occupation.
Saudi-Caribbean
Summit
Riyadh also hosted its first summit with the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) in November. The summit aimed to enhance partnerships in
economics, investment, trade, energy, tourism, and other areas in line with
Saudi Vision 2030.
A joint Saudi-Caribbean statement was issued, emphasizing
mutual interests and friendly relations, exploring ways to expand and develop
partnerships, including in education, health, maritime cooperation,
communications, logistics, food security, energy security, and the tourism
economy.
Saudi-Russian
Summit
Before the end of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Saudi Arabia,
meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The talks focused on mutual
interests and issues concerning both countries, the Middle East, and the world.
The two countries emphasized the necessity of halting
military operations in Palestinian territories and agreed that security and
stability in Palestine could only be achieved through the implementation of
international resolutions pertaining to a two-state solution.
They also agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation
and commended the close cooperation within OPEC for stabilizing global oil
markets.
Courtesy:
Saudi Gazette