KNewds.id- At a time when the United States and its allies, as well as a number of other countries, imposed economic sanctions, Saudi Arabia emphasized its commitment to the OPEC+ agreement with Russia, Sunday (27/2).
As is known, Russia is becoming a common enemy because of its actions invading Ukraine last week. However, Saudi Arabia, which has been considered one of the main US allies in the Middle East, does not seem to have the same opinion as the White House on this issue.
The Saudi News Agency (SPA) reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefly discussed the issue and the Kingdom’s stance with French President Emmanuel Macron.”In this regard, His Highness the Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom’s desire for stability and balance of the oil market and the Kingdom’s commitment to the OPEC Plus agreement,” the agency added.OPEC+ members – a group of 23 countries led by Saudi Arabia and including Russia – will meet Wednesday to discuss easing taps, just days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent crude soaring past $100 a barrel.
The 13 OPEC members will join their 10 allies in the OPEC+ group at a teleconference meeting. While Saudi Arabia is seen as the original kingpin of OPEC member states, Russia is a major player among the 10 other countries that make up OPEC+.Saudi Arabia is not the only US ally Arab country that refuses to take part in dealing with the Russia vs Ukraine conflict. The United Arab Emirates on Sunday again showed its reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the conflict continued into a fourth day.”We believe that taking sides will only lead to more violence,” Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, tweeted.
The comments came after the UAE abstained from voting on Friday on a draft UN Security Council resolution deploring Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The proposal did not pass because of the Russian veto.
“The UAE has a firm position regarding the United Nations, international law and state sovereignty, rejecting a military solution,” Gargash said.Hours before Russia launched a massive land, sea and air strike against Ukraine on Thursday, the UAE stressed its deep friendship with Moscow.
The National, a UAE-based publication owned by a member of the royal family, has reportedly told staff not to call Russia’s attack on Ukraine an invasion. (AHM)
