Media reports: third round of consultations on Ukraine following Jeddah might take place in Turkey

11 August 2023

Turkey could potentially host the third round of consultations on the situation in Ukraine following the recent meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a report by the Hurriyet newspaper.

 

According to the newspaper's information, this upcoming meeting is tentatively scheduled for October. The report highlights the possibility that Turkey might assume the role of host for this round, citing Ankara's wholehearted support for such initiatives. Turkey is considered a suitable mediator due to "its ability to engage openly and candidly with all parties involved in the conflict."

 

During the discussions in Jeddah, Turkey advocated "the necessity of demonstrating commitment to certain measures concerning Russia, particularly within the context of a grain deal." The Turkish delegation also emphasized that "excluding Russia from the settlement process would hinder achieving productive outcomes." Similar sentiments were shared by China, while Germany opined that Russia's inclusion should occur at "an opportune time", once the conditions for such participation have been established.

 

The consultations held in the Saudi city of Jeddah on August 5-6 aimed at discussing a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian conflict. These discussions saw the participation of representatives from over 40 countries and international organizations, including but not limited to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Nations.

 

Notably, Russia was not invited to this event.  Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized the meeting in Saudi Arabia as "an attempt to exploit the good intentions of certain states to form an anti-Russian coalition." However, she also indicated that if the event helps the West comprehend the complexities of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's peace plan, it could be beneficial. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia intends to discuss the outcomes of the Jeddah consultations with its BRICS partners who were present. He also expressed skepticism about the West's efforts to rally support from the Global South for President Zelensky's formula, deeming them likely to be unsuccessful.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic world"

Photo: Konevi/Pixabay

Based on materials from TASS