Saudi FM: Our US Partnership is Continuous, No Military Cooperation with Israel

The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)
The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)
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Saudi FM: Our US Partnership is Continuous, No Military Cooperation with Israel

The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)
The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the Kingdom’s hand is extended to Iran to reach normal relations, pointing out that the talks with Iran were positive, but did not reach any results.

“We are keen on finding a path to normal relations with neighboring Iran, and this is fundamentally linked to getting understandings that address sources of concern regarding Iranian activities, not only in Saudi Arabia, but with all countries in the region,” said the top Saudi diplomat in a presser at the end of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit.

The Summit was held in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, and the leaders of Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan.

Prince Faisal commended the role of Iraq in catalyzing the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh, and voiced Saudi Arabia’s hopes for “positive developments” in the future.

Furthermore, the Saudi FM said that no type of military or technical cooperation with Israel was raised or discussed and that there is no such thing as an “Arab NATO,” reiterating that there was no discussion of a “defensive alliance” with Israel.

Prince Faisal noted that Saudi Arabia had, five years ago, presented a proposal for establishing a joint Arab defense system.

Although the proposal wasn’t discussed at the Jeddah Summit, military and defense coordination among Arab countries remains a priority for the Kingdom.

The top diplomat also said that the US remains a main strategic partner, stressing that “the kingdom’s partnership with America is old and continuous... and the agreements we signed with America did not come to fruition overnight.”

He also noted that the joint Arab action system has reached a stage of “maturity”, saying: “We know what we want, and we know how to achieve it... We do not wait for anyone to fulfill our needs.”

Regarding the Yemeni crisis, Prince Faisal said: “We are working seriously to reach a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen, and the Houthis must understand that Yemen’s interest is in peace and stability.”

“Iranian weapons are part of the reasons for the continuing conflict in Yemen,” he added.

Moving on, he said that Saudi Arabia’s maximum oil production capacity is 13 million barrels and called for a balanced approach to reach “zero neutrality,” adding that many countries cannot convert to renewable energy quickly.

Regarding the global food crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine, Prince Faisal said: “At the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, we discussed the issue of food and grains, and we are working to increase the level of coordination between Arab countries to ensure food security.”



Sultan Haitham, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Issues


Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
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Sultan Haitham, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Issues


Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)

Türkiye and Oman agreed to deepen cooperation and increase trade to $5 billion. They also backed efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, similar to a recent deal in Lebanon.

“We aim to raise our trade volume with Oman to $5 billion, in line with our available potential. A new era of energy cooperation will commence as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Oman to Türkiye begin in July 2025,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan welcomed Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Ankara on Thursday, marking the first official visit by an Omani Sultan to Türkiye. Erdogan said he plans to visit Oman in the future.

He thanked Sultan Haitham for Oman’s support after Türkiye’s earthquake last year and praised his efforts to promote regional peace, especially in Yemen. Erdogan also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations in all areas.

Erdogan called for stronger institutional ties with Oman, announcing 10 agreements in areas such as trade, health, culture, agriculture, and defense. He praised Oman for choosing Turkish defense products and noted that Turkish contractors have handled $7 billion worth of projects in Oman, with potential to support Oman’s “Vision 2040.”

The leaders also discussed regional issues, including US President Joe Biden’s Gaza ceasefire initiative, which Erdogan called “important but overdue.” He stressed the need for an immediate and lasting truce in Gaza and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for peace efforts.

Sultan Haitham said Oman is committed to deepening ties with Türkiye and increasing trade to $5 billion.

The Omani leader highlighted the importance of regional security and cooperation during talks with Erdogan. He voiced Oman’s support for Türkiye’s stance on key international issues and stressed the need to pursue a two-state solution for Palestine to ensure justice and peace.

Erdogan welcomed Sultan Haitham in Ankara with an official ceremony at the presidential palace. The leaders oversaw the signing of 10 agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.