Mediator-in-Chief: Saudi Arabia’s Rising Diplomatic Clout

By Lady Olga Maitland

Our upcoming Defence and Security Forum dinner with HRH Prince Khalid Al Saud comes at a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom cements its role as a global power broker and mediator. The visit by President Trump in mid-May—likely a prelude to a meeting with President Putin—will further underscore Riyadh’s centrality on the world stage.

The Kingdom has built trust as a credible, neutral mediator. It has hosted critical talks between President Zelensky and top Russian officials to explore an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. It is re-engaging with Syria post the fall of Assad, and has recently announced that it is paying off its World Bank debt.  It is talking to Iran on a regular basis.  It supports President Trump’s pressure on Israel to pursue diplomacy over military escalation regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While the Kingdom is keen to see an end to the Gaza conflict, it wants to see a lasting ceasefire before committing to rebuilding a devestated economy.

My Saudi sources tell me this diplomatic momentum is due entirely to the driven personality of Crown Prince Mohamed.  Anyone who has been in the same room as him is powerfully aware of his charisma; and this, together with his singular drive, has allowed him to carve out a distinct political identify.  His vision—of positioning Saudi Arabia as a facilitator of conflict resolution—is set to shape the region’s future. We are delighted that HRH Prince Khalid, a cousin of the Crown Prince, will address DSF on Wednesday 7 May, setting the scene for the Kingdom’s expanding role as a trusted international actor.  

Behind the scenes, regional anxieties persist. My sources shed some light on why Jordan and Israel oppose the mass displacement of Palestinians into their territories; they fear that:  ‘The Palestinians, even unwittingly, would  bring Hamas with them—and with it, instability.”

The Syria question continues

My Middle East source tells me that for now, President Al Sharaa remains in charge.  He added, ‘Do  not be confused  by the appointment of the new Government.  It is not as liberal and open as portrayed.  The big issue remains: will the US lift sanctions to prevent the country collapsing? The relationship with Turkey continues to be a major influencer.’

Russia-Ukraine: Changing face of diplomacy

As our Russia expert, Valery Morozov, explains, ‘We are in a new area of conflict resolution as far as the US and Russia are concerned.  The foundation of their diplomacy is based on  business and co-operation.   Hence it is important to  note the visit to Washington by Dmitri Dmitriev, the smooth, US educated Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.  He went to the US at the personal behest of President Putin, over the head of the Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.  There will not be an instant  conclusion but in steps.  Essentially Russia will expect the US to take control and influence in Ukraine in return for business favours.  This explains Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov saying, ‘It is impossible to expect instant results, but Russia – US ties are working ‘very well’.’