Two fruitful days in Riyadh have passed. Many insights from German-Saudi workshop at Prince Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, meeting with Saudi diplomats, analysts, business people. And a visit to the impressive Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale.

Fruitful discussions at second day of German-Saudi workshop at Prince Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies معهد الأمير سعود الفيصل للدراسات الدبلوماسية in Riyadh

Pleasure to participate in German-Saudi workshop on a changing world, convened by معهد الأمير سعود الفيصل للدراسات الدبلوماسية and ألمانيا 🇩🇪🇸🇦 - lively discussions so far on Israel-Palestine, and on maritime security.

#WhatIRead : Jens Bastian, Turkey as an Emerging Global Arms Exporter (2024). Excellent short study for the CATS Network on #Turkey ‘s efforts to become an autonomous arms producer. Also a case study on how sanctions can influence states‘ orientations.

swp-berlin.org/publications/p…

So far my favourite German poster in the election campaign for the European Parliament. And actually a simple and good maxim (“Don’t be an asshole”) for politicians, social-media activists, and others.

Israel has now reacted to Iran‘s reaction to its attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus. Both have demonstrated that they won‘t be deterred if they see the other as breaking their informal rules of the game. Rules re-established, it seems. And a good time to stop the escalation.

The world is forgetting about the people of Sudan.

Half of the country’s population needs lifesaving assistance.

But they need more than humanitarian support.

They need an end to the bloodshed.

They need peace.

The only path out of this horror is a political solution.

Der frühere Sondergesandte der Vereinten Nationen für den Sudan, Perthes, hat dazu aufgerufen, den Druck auf die Konfliktparteien in dem Land zu erhöhen. deutschlandfunk.de/frueherer-suda…

CHP victory and AKP defeat in Türkiye‘s local election brings balance into the country’s political system and underlines the people‘s democratic spirit. Don‘t forget: Erdogan‘s AKP gained power in free elections in 2002. And is likely to loose power in free elections.

Congratulations to @DiomayeFay , President elect of #Senegal , and to the Senegalese people for making their democracy work. EU and other international partners need to support Senegal in its choices, including equitable economic relations, and strengthening regional cooperation.

In view of the terrorist attack on the concert hall in Moscow, there can only be full solidarity with the Russian people. And in view of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and its people, there can be nothing but full solidarity with Ukraine.

Last day at the UN - at least for now - after three exciting years as SRSG Sudan/head of UNITAMS (2/2021-10/2023), and head of the Independent Strategic Review team for UNAMI (10/2023-3/2024). A big Thank You to all the great colleagues I had the privilege to work with!