Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Washington to prepare for President Trump’s upcoming visit. He and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for renewed peace talks in Sudan as the humanitarian crisis worsens. The meeting reflects ongoing US-Saudi relations and strategic interests in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held discussions in Washington on Wednesday to pave the way for an upcoming visit by US President Donald Trump, marking his first international trip of his second term. During talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both diplomats emphasized the necessity for the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to resume peace negotiations.
The diplomats urged a return to peace talks, a commitment to protect civilians, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and a transition back to civilian governance, as stated in a formal announcement from the State Department. This appeal followed the recent declaration by the Sudanese army claiming full control of Khartoum amidst ongoing battles against the paramilitary RSF, which have resulted in severe humanitarian crises affecting over 12 million individuals.
Since April 2023, hostilities between the Sudanese army and the RSF have escalated significantly, leading the United Nations to identify this situation as the gravest hunger and displacement crisis globally, with escalating casualties and conditions prompting famine alerts. The United States and Saudi Arabia have previously engaged in multiple unsuccessful negotiations to curb the ongoing violence.
President Trump indicated last month his potential visit to Saudi Arabia could occur as early as April, recalling his first international visit to the kingdom in 2017. The purpose of the Foreign Minister’s trip is reportedly to lay the groundwork for this upcoming visit, alongside discussions on issues concerning Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.
In January, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assured a commitment of $600 billion toward US investments and trade. President Trump later claimed that Saudi Arabia had pledged nearly a trillion dollars to American companies, promising job creation. His administration previously fostered strong relations with Riyadh and aims to encourage the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel, amidst various foreign policy objectives. Trump’s earlier administration also notably involved protection for the Crown Prince following the assassination of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
In summary, the meetings between Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister and US officials signify renewed efforts to address the conflict in Sudan. The call for peace negotiations highlights the urgency of humanitarian conditions in the region, and preparations for President Trump’s visit emphasize the ongoing strategic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic endeavor also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting regional stability and economic partnership with the US.
Original Source: www.ktbs.com
