Washington: Riyadh Summit Sends Clear Message on Importance of Regional Stability

Leaders of the delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in a group photo on the occasion of the recent Riyadh Summit (SPA)
Leaders of the delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in a group photo on the occasion of the recent Riyadh Summit (SPA)
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Washington: Riyadh Summit Sends Clear Message on Importance of Regional Stability

Leaders of the delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in a group photo on the occasion of the recent Riyadh Summit (SPA)
Leaders of the delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in a group photo on the occasion of the recent Riyadh Summit (SPA)

US President Joe Biden’s policies focus on strengthening US partnerships in the region to promote peaceful solutions, a prominent White House official announced.

The official noted that Biden’s strategies follow two decades of extensive studies of the Middle East region post the September 11 attacks and the policies for regime change, the spreading of democracy, and confronting terrorism.

In a teleconference, the official praised the recent Gulf summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saying that its success sends a clear message about the importance of stability in the region.

As for communication between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the official noted that Washington was “very realistic about that process.”

They emphasized the importance of establishing safety forces to reduce the risk of miscalculation between Gulf states and Iran.

About normalizing ties and trade relations, Iran must first go back on its policies and interventions in the region and work to de-escalate tensions.

The official affirmed that Iran continues to support militias and create instability in the region.

As for Saudi Arabia, he said the US remained committed to the Kingdom’s defense. “We have helped the Saudis quite a bit,” the official maintained, referencing the continued cross-border attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen.

He calculated the Saudis were defeating “9 out of 10 of those attacks” now. “We, of course, want to make sure that reaches ten of ten. That’s an awful lot of our work, day to day.”

On Iraq, the US is prepared for any potential attacks on its forces in the coming months.

“We anticipate, heading into the first part of next year… that some of these attacks might start up again, but we will of course be very ready for that,” the official predicted.

He cited the anniversary of the killing of Iran’s Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani and “a few other milestones” as serving as possible occasions for Iran-backed militias to target US interests and forces.



Gulf Leaders Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Founding Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Gulf Leaders Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Founding Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Arab Gulf leaders sent on Friday cables of congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day that will be celebrated on February 22.

He received cables from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

They wished King Salman health and Saudi Arabia further progress, development and prosperity.

King Hamad hailed the Kingdom’s development and achievements across various fields, which have strengthened its regional and international standing.

He expressed deep pride in the strong fraternal relations between their countries and peoples, noting their continuous development. He reiterated his commitment to further strengthening these historical ties across all areas of cooperation to fulfill the aspirations of both nations.

King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman also sent a similar cable to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, conveying their sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion.