On December 18, 2024, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Engineer Waleed ElKhereiji participated in the third consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace initiatives and efforts for Sudan, held in Nouakchott, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, representing Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Context and Background
This meeting, hosted in Mauritania, brought together regional and international stakeholders to coordinate strategies for resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Saudi Arabia has consistently played a leading role in facilitating peace efforts, leveraging its diplomatic influence and historical ties with both Sudanese parties. The Kingdom previously hosted the Jeddah Talks, which marked a significant step in establishing ceasefires and civilian protection frameworks.
Key Details
In his speech, Engineer Waleed ElKhereiji underscored Saudi Arabia’s significant efforts to resolve the current crisis, driven by the Kingdom’s responsibility toward the Sudanese people. He highlighted the Jeddah Talks (1) and (2), which resulted in the signing of the Jeddah Declaration on ‘Commitment to Protecting Civilians in Sudan’ and a short-term ceasefire agreement. The Vice Minister stated: “The Kingdom affirms that resolving the Sudanese crisis begins with stopping the fighting and enhancing humanitarian response for the Sudanese people.”
He also noted Saudi Arabia’s welcoming of international efforts aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis and praised the decision by the Sudanese Armed Forces to extend the opening of the Adré border crossing with Chad, as well as the opening of Kassala, Dongola, and El Obeid airports and the Kadugli crossing to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
Implications and International Impact
The consultative meeting in Nouakchott reinforces coordination among Arab, Islamic, and friendly nations to halt the fighting in Sudan and alleviate the suffering of its people. Saudi Arabia’s continued diplomatic engagement emphasizes the necessity for both parties to the conflict to fulfill commitments under the Jeddah Declaration, particularly the protection of civilians, as a basis for future stability and preventing external interference.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 foreign policy goals of promoting regional stability, humanitarian responsibility, and constructive international diplomacy. By spearheading peace efforts, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a global leader in conflict resolution and its commitment to a secure and prosperous region, supporting Sudanese sovereignty and the well-being of its people.
20 Questions
Q1. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the third consultative meeting on Sudan?
A1. Engineer Waleed ElKhereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented Saudi Arabia on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Q2. Where was the meeting held?
A2. The meeting was held in Nouakchott, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Q3. What was the main objective of the consultative meeting?
A3. The meeting aimed to enhance coordination among peace initiatives and efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan.
Q4. What are the Jeddah Talks?
A4. The Jeddah Talks are diplomatic negotiations hosted by Saudi Arabia and the United States involving conflicting parties in Sudan to establish ceasefires and political solutions.
Q5. What is the Jeddah Declaration?
A5. The Jeddah Declaration is a commitment to protecting civilians in Sudan, signed on May 11, 2023, during the Jeddah Talks (1).
Q6. How did Saudi Arabia contribute to the Jeddah Talks?
A6. Saudi Arabia co-hosted the talks with the United States and facilitated the signing of ceasefire agreements and the Jeddah Declaration.
Q7. What did Vice Minister ElKhereiji emphasize in his speech?
A7. He emphasized that resolving the crisis begins with stopping the fighting and enhancing humanitarian response for the Sudanese people.
Q8. What is the importance of stopping the fighting first?
A8. Stopping the fighting is essential to pave the way for a future political process that ensures Sudan’s security, stability, and sovereignty.
Q9. What did Saudi Arabia say about external interference in Sudan?
A9. Saudi Arabia stressed the need to prevent external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs.
Q10. Did Saudi Arabia welcome other international efforts?
A10. Yes, the Kingdom welcomed international efforts aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis.
Q11. What humanitarian steps did the Sudanese Armed Forces take?
A11. They extended the opening of the Adré border crossing with Chad and opened several airports and crossings for humanitarian aid.
Q12. Which airports were opened for humanitarian aid?
A12. The airports of Kassala, Dongola, and El Obeid were opened for humanitarian aid delivery.
Q13. What is the significance of the Kadugli crossing?
A13. The Kadugli crossing opening facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to conflict-affected areas in Sudan.
Q14. How does this meeting align with Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?
A14. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting regional stability, humanitarian responsibility, and constructive international diplomacy.
Q15. Why is the protection of civilians a key focus?
A15. The Jeddah Declaration prioritizes civilian protection as a foundational step for long-term peace and stability in Sudan.
Q16. What role do Arab and Islamic countries play?
A16. Saudi Arabia emphasized continued coordination with these countries to halt fighting and alleviate suffering.
Q17. What was the outcome of Jeddah Talks (1)?
A17. The talks resulted in the Jeddah Declaration and a short-term ceasefire agreement.
Q18. What is the goal of Jeddah Talks (2)?
A18. The goal is to achieve a sustainable political solution that preserves Sudan’s security, stability, and state institutions.
Q19. How does Saudi Arabia view the unity and sovereignty of Sudan?
A19. Saudi Arabia affirms the importance of Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and independence in all peace efforts.
Q20. What is the forward-looking aspect of this meeting?
A20. The meeting reinforces international coordination, aiming to stop fighting and build a political process for a stable and prosperous Sudan.
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