Saudi Arabia praises US-Russia call, welcomes possible summit in Kingdom

Saudi Arabia welcomed a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (R), as well as the possibility of hosting a summit on mediating a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine in the Kingdom. (AFP)
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Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia praises US-Russia call, welcomes possible summit in Kingdom

  • Foreign ministry statement reaffirmed Kingdom’s commitment to mediating resolution to war in Ukraine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday welcomed a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the possibility of hosting a summit between the two leaders in the Kingdom, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends the phone call that took place between His Excellency President Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, and His Excellency President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on February 12, 2025,” the statement read.

It further expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host any potential summit and reaffirmed its commitment to mediating a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated the Kingdom’s support for mediation since the beginning of the war, and during separate calls with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 3, 2022.

“The Kingdom affirms its continued efforts to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,” the statement added, underscoring Riyadh’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives over the past three years.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi’s literary icons

Updated 11 sec ago
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.