Deterring Iran, Securing Region Are Joint Goals for Saudi Arabia, US

American and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
American and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
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Deterring Iran, Securing Region Are Joint Goals for Saudi Arabia, US

American and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)
American and Saudi national flags fly over a main road in Riyadh in 2017. (AFP file photo)

The ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States were underscored during a telephone call between Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and US President Joe Biden on Thursday.

Their talks highlighted Saudi emphasis on the need to preserve the security of the region and deter all acts that may destabilize it.

The telephone call underlines that importance of the joint strategic alliance between the Kingdom and Washington that dates back 80 years.

King Salman and Biden stressed the importance of these relations and their impact on the Arab world. Biden expressed to the monarch Washington’s keenness on strengthening the bonds of friendship and bolstering relations between their countries.

The leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to safeguard regional security, as well as international efforts to end the war in Yemen. Biden assured King Salman that the US was committed to helping the Kingdom defend itself against threats at a time when it is confronting repeated attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen.

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, said the telephone call between King Salman and Biden reflects the strategic importance of the Kingdom and its pivotal role in preserving the region’s security and stability.

The US is a main player in the security and stability of the region, whereby the alliance between Riyadh and Washington underscores the common goals they share, such as economic development and prosperity, oil policy and the war on terrorism, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Moreover, he said that Saudi Arabia saw that it was necessary to intervene militarily in Yemen to safeguard regional security. He noted that the US is helping the Kingdom defend its territories.

He said that the international community has let down Yemen by failing to pursue the implementation of United Nations Security Council 2216 that bars the delivery of weapons to the war-torn country.



Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
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Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around the world.”
“It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation and strengthen international collaboration toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.