The inaugural US-Saudi Strategic Dialogue that kicked off Wednesday in Washington marks a “new era” in the U.S.-Saudi relationship, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in comments made alongside his counterpart, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, following their meeting.
“This Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that Prince Faisal and I launched today marks a new era in our relationship,” Pompeo said. “Our conversations this morning reflected a mutual willingness to grow not only our security and economic ties, but our whole partnership.”
Pompeo revealed that the United States was in talks to acquire 26 acres in Riyadh for a new US embassy.
Discussions covered several topics of mutual concern. On regional security, Pompeo said Iran was threatening the Kingdom’s security and was disrupting global commerce.
Pleased to launch the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Dialogue in Washington with Saudi Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan. We look forward to reinforcing our enduring partnership by expanding our defense and energy cooperation and increasing cultural and educational exchanges. pic.twitter.com/ZMcfAHCZsk
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 14, 2020
“Today we reaffirmed our mutual commitment to countering Iranian malign activity, and the threat it poses to regional security and prosperity,” Pompeo said. He added that the US supported “a robust program of arm sales to Saudi Arabia, a line of effort that helps the Kingdom protect its citizens and sustains American jobs.”
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Strategic Dialogue between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia comes at “a very important time.”
“Our strong partnership is vital in confronting the forces of extremism and terrorism that threaten our security and prosperity,” he said.
Prince Faisal condemned Iran’s “continuing destabilizing behavior,” noted that the Kingdom’s supports a “comprehensive political solution in Yemen” and urged action on the FSO Safer, an aging oil tanker, on the Red Sea which the Houthis have repeatedly refused full access to as a potential looming environmental catastrophe.
