The successful prisoner exchange between the US and Russia on Thursday was a direct result of mediation efforts between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to both countries.
The mediation efforts were led by the Emirati president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The [two countries] said the success of the mediation efforts was a reflection of the mutual and solid friendship between their two countries and the United States of America and the Russian Federation,” a joint Saudi-UAE statement read. “They also highlighted the important role played by the leaderships of the two brotherly countries in promoting dialogue between all parties.”
Brittney Griner, a top basketball player for the United States, was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Victor Bout. The exchange occurred in Abu Dhabi.
This is the second occasion this year that Saudi Arabia has facilitated the release of prisoners.
The Saudi Crown Prince had been in touch with the Kremlin and Ukraine as part of efforts to free the prisoners of war, which comprised five British citizens, one Moroccan, one Swede, one Croat, and two Americans.
