Senior Saudi and Emirati officials held discussions on Sudan’s ongoing conflict on the sidelines of international peace consultations in Geneva, as Riyadh reaffirmed its opposition to parallel governing structures and called for the preservation of Sudan’s territorial integrity.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji met UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan during the sixth consultative meeting on coordinating international peace initiatives for Sudan.
The two officials reviewed bilateral relations, developments in Sudan and diplomatic efforts to address the conflict, alongside broader regional and international issues. No specific agreements or outcomes from their discussions were announced.
Addressing the Geneva gathering on Wednesday, Al-Khuraiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to securing a ceasefire, protecting Sudan’s state institutions and preventing the country’s fragmentation.
He said the kingdom’s diplomatic efforts remained grounded in the Jeddah Declaration signed in May 2023, which established commitments to protecting civilians during the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Saudi official also expressed support for the Quintet’s peace initiative and other regional and international efforts aimed at reaching a political settlement.
However, Al-Khuraiji drew a distinction between Sudan’s military-backed authorities and the RSF, arguing that the two should not be treated as politically equivalent.
He said Saudi Arabia rejected the establishment of parallel governing bodies and measures undertaken outside existing state institutions that could undermine Sudan’s unity.
The remarks underscored Riyadh’s support for preserving Sudan’s existing state structures, even as international mediators continue efforts to secure a negotiated end to the war.
Al-Khuraiji also called for support for a Sudanese-led political dialogue conducted within the country.
Saudi Arabia highlights humanitarian assistance
During his address, Al-Khuraiji outlined Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions to Sudan, including a $100 million assistance commitment and a public fundraising campaign through the kingdom’s Sahm platform.
He said Saudi assistance to Sudan had exceeded $3.2 billion, while highlighting a further $145 million pledged under the 2026 humanitarian response plan during an international conference in Berlin on April 15.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry previously confirmed the $145 million commitment, which was intended to support humanitarian operations amid Sudan’s worsening crisis.
International mediators seek coordinated peace strategy
The Geneva consultations, jointly hosted by Switzerland and the United Nations, brought together representatives of more than 20 countries and several regional and international organisations.
Participants discussed ways to coordinate competing diplomatic initiatives, reduce hostilities, improve humanitarian access and advance a Sudanese-led political process.
The meeting also brought together members of the Quad and Quintet diplomatic groups, which have been involved in efforts to end the conflict.
In a joint summary, the UN and Switzerland warned that Sudan’s continuing war posed growing risks to neighbouring countries and called for intensified diplomatic engagement to prevent further regional destabilisation.
The co-hosts stressed the importance of protecting civilians, preserving Sudan’s unity and establishing a credible civilian political process.
Participants agreed to continue coordination ahead of a seventh consultative meeting, although no date or venue was announced.
