Al-Kharji discusses efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis with Lamamra and Crowder in Cairo
On Wednesday, the Egyptian capital, Cairo, witnessed intensive Saudi diplomatic activity, as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, held a series of important meetings with international officials, on the sidelines of his participation in the fifth consultative meeting concerned with coordinating peace initiatives and efforts in Sudan.
Meeting with the UN envoy and coordinating efforts
Engineer Al-Khuraiji began his diplomatic activities with a meeting with the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra. The meeting included a comprehensive review of the joint efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Nations to contain the escalating crisis. Both sides emphasized the need to unify international efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected in various Sudanese states, thereby alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Saudi-British talks
In a related development, the Deputy Foreign Minister met with Richard Crowder, Head of the British Office for Sudan and Special Representative of the United Kingdom. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments on the ground and the political situation, and explored ways to support the political solution process. Both sides agreed on the importance of continued coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern, in order to promote the security and stability of the region.
Background of the crisis and the pivotal role of the Kingdom
These diplomatic moves come at a critical juncture for Sudan, which has been embroiled in conflict since the outbreak of fighting in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Since the beginning of the crisis, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal and historic role, particularly through its sponsorship of the Jeddah Platform talks, with the participation of the United States. These talks have previously resulted in humanitarian ceasefires and preliminary agreements to protect civilians. Through its participation in the Cairo meetings, the Kingdom seeks to build upon these achievements and ensure that international efforts are not fragmented.
The importance of international coordination and the effects of conflict
The consultative meeting in Cairo is of paramount importance given the regional and international repercussions of the Sudanese crisis. The continuation of the conflict not only threatens Sudan's unity and social fabric but also casts a dark shadow on the stability of neighboring countries and the security of the Red Sea. The region faces unprecedented humanitarian challenges in the form of waves of displacement and refugees, necessitating urgent and coordinated international intervention. The meetings held by Al-Khuraiji underscore the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring security and stability to Sudan, preserving the resources of its people, and preventing the country from descending into widespread chaos that could negatively impact international peace and security.
