- Numerous endeavors were launched to fortify relationships with Sri Lanka in 2023.
KHALID RIZWAN
COLOMBO In 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia assumed a crucial role in global diplomacy, demonstrating strategic alignments and hosting a series of highly influential global summits.
The notable success attained by Saudi Arabia in international diplomatic endeavors stands as a testament not only to the nation’s burgeoning geopolitical influence but also signifies a transformresurgence in its foreign policies and approaches.
It is widely acknowledged within the realm of political analysis that Saudi Arabia has diligently and swiftly engaged in addressing a multitude of regional and international political and economic challenges that have emerged throughout the past years. The kingdom has notably demonstrated a proactive approach in managing international crises and has actively participated in numerous negotiations pertaining to various global issues
Saudi Arabia has notably undertaken commendable efforts, including the safe evacuation of people stranded in war zones, provision of humanitarian aid to affected populations, and facilitation of peace negotiations among conflicting nations. These endeavors underscore the adeptness of the country’s politicians in diplomatic strategizing and effective execution of such initiatives.
In an era marked by evolving alliances and growing global political complexities, Saudi Arabia’s invitation to pivotal talks and mediation aimed at resolving international conflicts highlights the nation’s political resilience and steadfast dedication to fostering unity and collaboration on the global stage.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a central figure in shaping the global political landscape due to its successful execution of substantial diplomatic initiatives.
Throughout the year 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in hosting several significant international summits. In August, a summit took place in the city of Jeddah, convening national security advisers from approximately 40 countries to deliberate on the Ukrainian crisis. Subsequently, in October, Saudi Arabia facilitated the inaugural summits of both the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Responding to the escalating war situation in Gaza, an Arab-Islamic summit was convened in Riyadh in November to address the enduring Israeli occupation. This was succeeded by a Saudi African summit and a pivotal Saudi-Russian summit, which followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia towards the end of the previous year.
Saudi-led evacuation operation in Sudan
During a period of heightened civil unrest in Sudan, a commendable evacuation initiative led by Saudi Arabia utilizing its naval resources has garnered global acclaim. Over 5,000 individuals from a diverse array of 100 nations, including 184 Saudi nationals and notably 32 individuals from Sri Lanka, were safely evacuated from the country amidst clashes between the Sudanese army and RSF groups. This endeavor, hailed as one of the most efficacious rescue operations on a global scale, was announced by the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
Gulf and Central Asian Summit
In July, Saudi Arabia convened a summit in Jeddah, uniting leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the five Central Asian countries (C5) to engage in a political dialogue. The summit’s primary objective was to formulate strategies and bolster political collaboration between the involved parties, placing emphasis on fostering partnerships across multiple sectors, notably in security, economic, and investment domains.
Jeddah meeting on Ukraine Russia conflict
In August, a peace conference addressing the Ukraine conflict took place in Jeddah. Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, a member of the Saudi Cabinet and National Security Adviser, presided over the meeting, which saw the participation of national security advisers from approximately 30 countries.
Gulf and ASEAN summit
In a significant milestone, the leaders of 16 Gulf and Asian nations convened in Riyadh during October. This inaugural gathering marked the commencement of a joint action plan spanning from 2024 to 2028, aimed at delineating a comprehensive roadmap and fostering cooperation and partnership across diverse domains, thereby advancing the mutual interests of both regions.
Saudi African summit
In November, Saudi Arabia played host to a significant Saudi African summit in Riyadh, marking a continuation of its proactive foreign policy endeavors.
The summit culminated in a mutual commitment from both parties to foster collaboration and partnership in developmental initiatives, with a focus on laying the groundwork for continental integration to ensure a sustainable future.
Notably, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, unveiled the King Salman Development Initiative in Africa during the summit. This ambitious initiative aims to implement developmental projects and programs valued at more than one billion dollars over the course of the next decade across the African continent.
Arab-Islamic summit
In response to the escalating tensions resulting from Israeli aggression in Gaza, Saudi Arabia convened an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh during November. Over 57 countries participated in this summit, culminating in pivotal decisions. These decisions encompassed actions such as advocating for the dismantling of the Israeli blockade on Gaza and emphasizing the imperative to halt the ongoing conflict and bring an end to the occupation.
Saudi-Caribbean summit
In November, Riyadh marked its inaugural summit with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with the objective of bolstering collaborations in economics, investment, trade, energy, tourism, and related spheres aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030.
During this summit, a collective statement was released by Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean, underscoring shared interests and amicable ties. The statement highlighted intentions to broaden and nurture partnerships, encompassing domains such as education, healthcare, maritime cooperation, communications, logistics, food and energy security, and the tourism sector.
Saudi-Russian summit
Before the conclusion of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin undertook a visit to Saudi Arabia where he engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The focal points of their talks revolved around shared interests and pertinent issues encompassing both nations, the Middle East region, and the global landscape.
Central to their deliberations was a mutual emphasis on the imperative cessation of military operations within Palestinian territories. Both leaders concurred that the attainment of security and stability in Palestine necessitates strict adherence to international resolutions advocating for a two-state solution.
Additionally, there was consensus on the augmentation of defense and security cooperation between the two nations. Furthermore, commendation was extended for the close collaboration witnessed within the framework of OPEC, particularly acknowledging its role in stabilizing the global oil markets.
Saudi Sri Lankan relationship
Besides the historical connections between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, the economic and employment ties have historically centered around the welfare of expatriate workers and the administration of Hajj and Umrah affairs.
Saudi Arabia’s prominent role in the global arena through its forward-thinking initiative, Vision 2030, has led Sri Lanka to prioritize the enhancement of its multilateral relations with Saudi Arabia. Efforts are underway to bolster ties in both political and economic domains, aiming to strengthen collaboration and foster mutual growth between the two nations.
The inaugural bilateral ministerial visit from Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka traces back to the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, in March 2022. Subsequently, from March 2022 to June 2023, seven ministers representing Sri Lanka undertook official visits to Saudi Arabia. Notably, among these visits was the presence of Honorable Ali Sabri, the Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, in January 2023.
On May 21-22, 2023, Sri Lanka’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Tharaka Balasuriya, undertook an official visit to Saudi Arabia to partake in the inaugural session of the Joint Commission meeting between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. During this visit, the state minister engaged in discussions with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, the Honorable Waleed Al Khareiji, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering political consultations between the two nations.
The Sri Lankan Parliament established the Saudi Arabian Parliamentary Friendship Committee, led by the former Environment Minister, Naseer Ahmed. This development is of significance and worth noting.
On November 27, 2023, Honorable Faisal F. Ali Ibrahim, the Minister of Economy, and Planning of Saudi Arabia, engaged in discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Within this dialogue, Minister Faisal F. Ali Ibrahim conveyed Saudi Arabia’s deep interest in bolstering economic relations with Sri Lanka across multiple sectors, notably garments and tourism.
The first session of the Joint Commission between the two countries was held in May 2023, during which 63 items were identified for establishing cooperation under 20 different sectors, including defense cooperation. Between 2022 and 2023, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia entered into three bilateral agreements
Up to this point, Saudi Arabia has allocated 455 million US dollars towards development projects via the Saudi Fund for Development’s soft-loan program. Notably, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading supporter, providing substantial assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, primarily through debt restructuring initiatives.
By 2023, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in creating employment opportunities for 63,000 individuals from Sri Lanka. Annually, over 200,000 individuals from Sri Lanka seek employment opportunities overseas. This migration has undeniably served as a pivotal means of earning foreign exchange, crucial for the country’s recovery from the recent financial crisis.
Hence, the established rapport between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia is anticipated to serve as a robust catalyst for the execution of numerous progressive bilateral agreements and development projects. Moreover, it presents an auspicious opportunity for Sri Lanka to navigate through the prevailing economic crisis and facilitate recovery.
