Saudi Vice Minister Joins Consultative Meeting on Sudan Peace Efforts

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, participated in the second consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace initiatives and efforts in Sudan, held on July 25, 2024, in the Republic of Djibouti. The meeting brought together key regional and international stakeholders to align approaches for resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s steadfast commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.

Context and Background

The second consultative meeting builds upon earlier Saudi-led and facilitated efforts to mediate between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in close partnership with the United States, previously hosted the Jeddah talks, which produced the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, a landmark agreement focused on protecting civilians and upholding humanitarian principles. The resumption of talks, known as Jeddah 2, included a joint representative from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the principle of African-led solutions.

Key Details

In his address, Vice Minister El-Khereiji emphasized the Kingdom’s continued dedication to resolving the Sudanese crisis and its openness to all international efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving peace. He renewed Saudi Arabia’s call for the Sudanese parties to prioritize wisdom, self-restraint, and flexibility, urging them to respond positively to humanitarian initiatives. The meeting was also attended by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sudan, Ali Jaafar, and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Djibouti, Faisal Al-Qabbani.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s active role in coordinating peace initiatives for Sudan reinforces its position as a key diplomatic and humanitarian player in the Horn of Africa and the wider region. By facilitating dialogue between warring factions and aligning with international partners, the Kingdom helps create a pathway toward a ceasefire and a durable political solution. This engagement also supports regional stability, which is vital for trade routes, migration flows, and security cooperation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden areas.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic leadership in Sudan aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global hub for peace, dialogue, and sustainable development. By promoting conflict resolution and humanitarian support, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to building a more stable and prosperous region, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner for international cooperation and a force for positive change in the Middle East and Africa.

20 Questions

Q1. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the second consultative meeting on Sudan?

A1. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the meeting held in Djibouti.

Q2. When and where was the second consultative meeting held?

A2. The meeting took place on July 25, 2024, in the Republic of Djibouti, bringing together stakeholders to coordinate peace efforts for Sudan.

Q3. What was the main purpose of the meeting?

A3. The meeting aimed to enhance coordination among various peace initiatives and efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

Q4. Which previous talks are referenced in the Saudi Vice Minister’s speech?

A4. The speech referenced the Jeddah 1 and Jeddah 2 talks, facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

Q5. What was the key outcome of the Jeddah 1 talks?

A5. The Jeddah 1 talks resulted in the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, which focused on protecting civilians and upholding humanitarian commitments.

Q6. How did Saudi Arabia incorporate regional organizations into the peace process?

A6. In Jeddah 2, a joint representative of the African Union and IGAD was included, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s respect for the principle of African-led solutions.

Q7. What did Vice Minister El-Khereiji urge the Sudanese parties to do?

A7. He urged the parties to prioritize wisdom and self-restraint, showing flexibility and a positive response to humanitarian initiatives.

Q8. How does Saudi Arabia view international efforts for peace in Sudan?

A8. Saudi Arabia welcomes and is open to all international efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving peace in Sudan.

Q9. Which Saudi ambassadors attended the meeting?

A9. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sudan, Ali Jaafar, and Ambassador to Djibouti, Faisal Al-Qabbani, attended the meeting.

Q10. What is Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal for Sudan?

A10. The Kingdom is keen to restore security and stability to Sudan and supports a solution starting with a ceasefire and ending the conflict.

Q11. Why is Saudi Arabia’s role in Sudan important for the region?

A11. Saudi diplomacy helps stabilize the Horn of Africa, which is critical for Red Sea trade routes, migration management, and regional security.

Q12. Does Saudi Arabia support a ceasefire in Sudan?

A12. Yes, Saudi Arabia urges the parties to reach a solution that begins with a ceasefire and leads to ending the existing conflict.

Q13. How does this meeting relate to Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for peace and sustainable development through proactive diplomacy.

Q14. What is the significance of the Jeddah Declaration?

A14. The Jeddah Declaration is a framework agreement for protecting civilians, signed on May 11, 2023, during Saudi-U.S. facilitated talks.

Q15. Which countries facilitated the Jeddah talks?

A15. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America jointly facilitated the Jeddah talks between the Sudanese parties.

Q16. What principle did Saudi Arabia emphasize regarding African participation?

A16. Saudi Arabia emphasized its appreciation for the principle of African solutions, meaning African-led and owned conflict-resolution approaches.

Q17. How does Saudi Arabia cooperate with the U.S. on Sudan?

A17. Saudi Arabia continues close cooperation with the United States in urging both Sudanese parties to reach a peaceful solution.

Q18. What was Vice Minister El-Khereiji’s main message in his speech?

A18. His main message was Saudi Arabia’s commitment to resolving the Sudanese crisis and its openness to all international peace efforts.

Q19. Why is the location of Djibouti significant for this meeting?

A19. Djibouti, a member of IGAD, is strategically located near Sudan and serves as a regional hub for diplomatic efforts in the Horn of Africa.

Q20. What does Saudi Arabia expect from the Sudanese parties?

A20. Saudi Arabia expects the parties to show flexibility, self-restraint, and a positive response to initiatives that protect civilians and end the conflict.

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