Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al-Saud met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Thursday, and “exchanged views on Iran’s nuclear program and international talks on the matter,” according to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry reported by Reuters.
“Had a productive meeting today with my friend Secretary Blinken, during which we discussed a range of issues of common interest & concern to both our nations & ways to strengthen our strategic partnership & cooperation on multiple fronts,” the Foreign Minister said in a twitter post on Friday.
Princess Reema bint Bandar shared a post on her Instagram page and a photo of the meeting, echoing the sentiments of the Foreign Minister.
“Excellent meeting held today with HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Secretary Blinkin during his visit to Washington DC. Our two countries have strong and deep rooted relations that span decades, and we will continue to work together on all fronts to solidify our partnership.”
The State Department, through a statement issued by spokesperson Ned Price, confirmed the meeting and said the U.S. remains committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory and people.
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Washington, D.C. with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed U.S.-Saudi strategic cooperation on regional issues, including the common goal of reaching a durable solution to end the conflict in Yemen. The Secretary reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory and people and reiterated U.S. condemnation of Houthi attacks on the Kingdom. They also discussed other regional and broader issues, including human rights,” Price Said.
The meeting comes just days after the Iran-backed Houthi group launched a cross border attack at Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Airport, injuring 10, the latest such attack targeting civilians.
Recently, Jake Sullivan visited Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and others to collaborate on strategy for talks to end the war in Yemen.
