Why is Saudi Arabia Hosting Talks Between the US and Russia?

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia is set to host top American and Russian officials on Tuesday for a high-stakes rapprochement meeting, underscoring the kingdom’s ambitions to emerge as a global mediator and a key player in international diplomacy. The talks, led by Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser, highlight Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to transform the oil-rich nation into a hub for conflict resolution and soft power.

The meeting, described by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as one that “generally suits” both the United States and Russia, is a significant diplomatic win for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s 39-year-old de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been on a mission to diversify the Saudi economy and shed its fundamentalist image through initiatives like Vision 2030.

Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi noted, “I don’t think there’s another place where the leader has such a good personal relationship with both Trump and Putin.” The crown prince’s close ties with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have positioned Saudi Arabia as a neutral ground for high-level negotiations.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has shifted its foreign policy towards neutrality, aiming to attract global investments and reduce its reliance on oil. The kingdom has mediated conflicts, hosted peace summits, and pledged aid to Ukraine, all while maintaining relationships with both Western and Eastern powers.

In August 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted a Ukraine peace summit with representatives from over 40 countries and pledged $400 million in aid. The kingdom has also played a key role in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, further solidifying its reputation as a peacekeeper.

Beyond the immediate talks, Saudi Arabia aims to use its mediation role to gain leverage in discussions about the future of postwar Gaza. Earlier this month, President Trump proposed a controversial plan to redevelop Gaza with premium housing and relocate its residents, a proposal swiftly rejected by Arab nations.

Saudi Arabia is set to host a mini-Arab summit later this week to discuss a counter-proposal to Trump’s vision. Analysts suggest that by facilitating talks between the US and Russia, the kingdom could accumulate goodwill in Washington and bridge the gap between US and Arab positions on Gaza.

While Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen its ties with the US, it faces challenges in balancing regional interests. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has resisted pressure to normalize relations with Israel amid growing anger in the Middle East over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

In a statement earlier this month, the kingdom emphasized that achieving lasting peace in the region is impossible without addressing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of US-Russia talks marks a significant step in its journey to becoming a global diplomatic player. By positioning itself as a mediator, the kingdom aims to enhance its soft power, attract investments, and influence critical regional issues like the future of Gaza.