The US President defends his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, and says that human rights issues will top his agenda.
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The US President will meet with the Saudi King and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (AFP)
Yesterday, Saturday, US President Joe Biden defended his decision to visit Saudi Arabia, saying that “human rights will be on his agenda”, with an initial offer of a visit aimed at restoring relations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who had previously denounced him as “Outcast”.
Biden is holding bilateral talks with King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his leadership team during his visit The Middle East this week.
It has already been revealed White House Some aspects of the US president’s plan, and pointed out that the meeting of Biden and the Saudi king will also include the crown prince.
American intelligence circles say that it is believed that bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, was behind the killing of the Washington Post journalist and political opponent. Jamal Khashoggi.
Biden said in a comment published in the Washington Post late on Saturday that his goal is to “redirect, not sever, relations with a country that has been a strategic partner of the United States for 80 years.”
He added, “I know there are many who disagree with my decision to travel to Saudi Arabia. My views on human rights are clear and have long been known, and fundamental freedoms are always on the agenda when I travel abroad.”
The US president needs the help of oil-rich Saudi Arabia at a time when gasoline prices are rising.
Earlier, the White House said the United States was “looking into… The possibility of integrating air defenses with the countries of the Middle East to deal with the growing Iranian threat,” he said.
Biden indicated that he will be the first president to travel from “Israel” to Saudi Arabia this week, which he described as “a small symbol of emerging relations, and steps towards normalization between Israel and the Arab world.”
And he added: “I will be the first president to visit the Middle East since September 11, without the participation of US forces in a combat mission there,” stressing: “My goal is to maintain this situation.”
It is noteworthy that Biden will stop first in occupied Palestine during his tour from 13 to 16 July.