Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, continuing its diplomatic outreach to US adversaries. This move comes as a surprise to many, as the two countries have had strained relations in the past.
The invitation was extended by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a phone call with Maduro on Monday. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between their countries and the possibility of increasing cooperation in various fields.
This move by Saudi Arabia is part of its broader strategy of engaging with countries that are considered adversaries by the United States. The kingdom has been reaching out to countries like Russia, China, and Iran in recent years, in an effort to diversify its diplomatic relationships and reduce its dependence on the US.
The invitation to Maduro is also seen as a signal of Saudi Arabia’s willingness to engage with Venezuela despite the ongoing political and economic crisis in the country. The kingdom has previously expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela, but has also stated that it supports a peaceful resolution to the crisis through dialogue and negotiations.
The move has been met with mixed reactions from the international community. Some have praised Saudi Arabia for its efforts to engage with countries that are often isolated by the US, while others have criticized the kingdom for supporting a leader who is accused of human rights abuses and authoritarianism.
The US has been a vocal critic of Maduro’s government and has imposed sanctions on Venezuela in an effort to pressure the regime to change its policies. However, Saudi Arabia’s outreach to Venezuela is not likely to have a significant impact on US-Venezuela relations, as the US remains committed to its policy of isolating the Maduro regime.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s invitation to Maduro is a significant development in the kingdom’s foreign policy. It shows that Saudi Arabia is willing to engage with countries that are often shunned by the international community, and that it is willing to take a more independent approach to diplomacy. Whether this move will lead to a significant improvement in relations between Saudi Arabia and Venezuela remains to be seen, but it is clear that the kingdom is committed to exploring new avenues of cooperation with countries that are often overlooked by the US and its allies.
