Both Countries Deny Speculation
As recent media started to spread that Saudi-U.S. relation is deteriorating, the US Secretary of State John Kerry and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal today addressed the issue by reaffirming that both countries enjoy a relationship that is strategic, enduring, and it covers a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
In his visit to Saudi Arabia, Secretary says the President Obama said that he will use all elements of U.S. power, including force, to secure the core interests of the United States in the Middle East.
“He said the United States will confront external aggression against our partners, as we did for Kuwait in the Gulf War.” – Secretary Kerry
US, Saudi Arabia Share Common Interests
According to Secretary Kerry, the US will ensure the free flow of energy from this region to the world.
He says the US will dismantle terrorist networks that threaten our people.
“We will not tolerate the development or use of weapons of mass destruction.” – Secretary Kerry
Both Countries Enjoy Deep Relationship
Secretary Kerry says US-Saudi Arabia relations goes beyond one or two countries and one or two efforts.
Both countries work in military planning; in enhancing renewable energy supplies; in energy stability and security; in counterterrorism; in critical infrastructure protection; in trade and investment; in science and technology; in enhancing and dealing with and addressing the medical attention to health pandemics; in agriculture and food security; in education and student exchanges.
He says this deep relationship and has extended now for more than 70 years and it will endure well into the future.
“We look forward to continuing this collaboration to advance our shared security and our shared prosperity.” – Secretary Kerry
US, Saudi Arabia Discuss Regional Concerns
On Syrian crisis, Secretary Kerry says the US appreciates Saudi Arabia’s leadership supporting the Syrian Opposition Coalition and its strong commitment to achieving a political solution to the crisis.
Both countries believe they must avert further instability and asserts for the holding of Geneva 2 conference as soon as possible so the representatives of the people of Syria can work towards a transition to a new Syria.
Regarding Yemen, both parties also discussed the importance of concluding the national dialogue now, and to moving the constitutional drafting process where regional issues can be addressed.
On Lebanon, US and Saudi Arabia also discussed the importance of our strong support for responsible moderates who will still work for government formation without Hezbollah intimidation.
Collaborating On Syrian Crisis
In June this year, highlighting that the world is still failing to secure international protection for the Syrian people, the United States of America and Saudi Arabia met at Washington DC and affirmed collaboration to address the crisis in Syria.
In his remarks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal after their meeting, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said he joined His Royal Highness in making clear that the Syrian crisis has been made worse.
He said the situation has been made far more difficult and complicated by Assad’s invitation to Iran and to Hezbollah, Iran’s surrogate, to cross international lines and to become engaged on the ground in Syria.
He also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s leadership within the region, within the Arab League, in efforts to try to help the US government to find a political solution.
US, Saudi Arabia Believe Political Solution Can Solve Crisis
Both the US and Saudi Arabia believe that the best solution is a political solution in which the people of Syria have an opportunity to be able to make a choice about their future.
In addition, both countries believe that every minority can be respected, that there could be diversity and pluralism, and that people could do so in a climate of peace in the absence of oppression and violence or the involvement of foreign fighters.