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US President Joe Biden wrote an opinion piece for the newspaper The Washington Publish forward of his go to to Saudi Arabia, saying he deliberate to “reorient” relations with the oil-rich kingdom.
Biden is touring the Center East from July 13 to 16, stopping off in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories earlier than heading to Saudi Arabia.
“I do know that there are a lot of who disagree with my resolution to journey to Saudi Arabia,” Biden wrote. “My views on human rights are clear and long-standing, and basic freedoms are all the time on the agenda once I journey overseas.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the nation’s de facto chief, is believed to have been behind the 2018 homicide of Washington Publish journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Ankara.
What did Biden write?
The US president argued that his overseas coverage had made the Center East extra steady and safe as compared with the scenario underneath his predecessor Donald Trump.
He additionally related US safety with countering Russian aggression and competing with China, for which, he argued, Saudi Arabia performs a pivotal position.
“As president, it’s my job to maintain our nation sturdy and safe,” the US chief wrote. “Now we have to counter Russia’s aggression, put ourselves in the very best place to outcompete China, and work for larger stability in a consequential area of the world.”
“To do these items, now we have to interact immediately with international locations that may affect these outcomes. Saudi Arabia is one in all them, and once I meet with Saudi leaders on Friday, my goal will likely be to strengthen a strategic partnership going ahead that is based mostly on mutual pursuits and obligations, whereas additionally holding true to basic American values.”
Why is Saudi Arabia vital to the US?
Biden wrote that he goals to “reorient not rupture” relations with a rustic that has been a key strategic companion within the area for 80 years.
The dominion is a significant exporter of oil and Biden is anticipated to push the Saudis to extend the variety of barrels being produced per day to counter spiraling gasoline costs.
Throughout his presidential candidacy, Biden had pledged to make the dominion a “pariah” following the homicide of Khashoggi, however his current focus has been on praising Riyadh for efforts to finish the warfare in Yemen, the place the Saudis recentlyextended a cease-fire.
Saudi Arabia additionally serves Washington’s curiosity in countering Iranian affect within the area as the 2 vie for affect in each Yemen and Iraq.
ab/fb (Reuters, AP, AFP)
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