Concluding Talks in Riyadh Focus on Black Sea Navigation and Energy Protection
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A new round of discussions between Ukrainian and US delegations has concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on Black Sea navigation, energy infrastructure protection, and prisoner exchanges, amidst ongoing conflict. The US expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting these pivotal talks.
Key Takeaways
- Safe navigation in the Black Sea is prioritized.
- Commitment to cease hostilities and prevent military use of commercial vessels.
- Focus on prisoner exchanges and return of displaced children.
- Agreement to protect energy infrastructure in both nations.
- Need for further technical consultations for effective implementation.
Riyadh, March 26 (NationPress) A new series of discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives has wrapped up in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, as reported by local media outlet Al Arabiya News.
This dialogue followed an extensive 12-hour meeting between Russian and US teams on Monday in Riyadh, as stated by Xinhua news agency.
The White House subsequently released a statement outlining the results of the two rounds of discussions held from Sunday to Tuesday.
As per the statement, both the US and Ukraine have committed to ensuring safe navigation, ceasing the use of force, and preventing the utilization of commercial vessels for military operations in the Black Sea.
Moreover, the US expressed its dedication to facilitating the exchange of war prisoners, the liberation of civilian detainees, and the repatriation of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
Both parties also agreed to devise measures for executing the agreement between the two countries' leaders aimed at prohibiting strikes against energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine.
They reached an understanding on the importance of ongoing efforts towards establishing a sustainable and lasting peace.
The statement urged both conflicting parties to cease hostilities, deeming it a critical step towards achieving a lasting peace resolution.
The US also extended its gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting and facilitating these crucial discussions.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov elaborated on the significant outcomes of the recent talks with Washington via a post on the social media platform X.
He cautioned that under the agreement with the United States, any movement of Russian military vessels beyond the eastern segment of the Black Sea would violate the commitment to secure navigation in the region and pose a threat to Ukraine's national security. In such cases, Ukraine will assert its right to self-defense.
In addition to the points noted in the White House statement, Umerov remarked that all parties welcomed the involvement of third nations to support the enforcement of energy and maritime agreements established during the discussions.
The minister also emphasized the necessity for further technical consultations to effectively implement the agreed-upon arrangements.
