Why Saudi Arabia is the venue of choice for Trump talks on Ukraine

The kingdom has gone from pariah to potential peacemaker in recent years.

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The shadow that cast over the country and its de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in particular, appears to have lifted, although there are still concerns occasionally raised at international forums over Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

On many fronts - in entertainment and sport in particular - the country has spent huge amounts of money to further its ambitions to be a major player on the world stage.

Diplomatically, the Saudi leadership has also been enhancing its role. During the Biden years, the Kingdom increased its pivot away from reliance on the US as its key international ally.

The Saudis made clear that they would follow what they perceive as their interests first and foremost - striking up closer relationships with countries viewed as key rivals to the US, such as Russia and China.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9x97yvjp4o

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