US President Joe Biden strongly affirmed the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial defense, deterring Iran’s interference in the internal affairs of other countries and preventing it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Saudi Arabia pledged to helping out global oil markets in the wake of the worldwide fuel crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In a joint communiqué issued following the president’s meeting with King Salman, and later with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman which was attended by senior officials from both sides, the two countries outlined their strategic partnership over the coming decades geared to advancing their mutual interests and creating a more peaceful, secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.
“The two sides underscored the need to further deter Iran’s interference in the internal affairs of other countries, its support for terrorism through its armed proxies, and its efforts to destabilize the security and stability of the region,” the communiqué read. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States stressed the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a stable global energy market, particularly in light of the current crisis in Ukraine and its consequences.
“The US welcomed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to support global oil markets balancing for sustained economic growth,” the communique said. “Both sides decided to consult regularly on global energy markets in the near- and long-term, as well as work together as strategic partners in climate and energy transition initiatives, recognizing Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the future of energy.”
The United States welcomed the Saudi announcement to open the Kingdom’s airspace for all air carriers which will enhance global air connectivity and help cement the Kingdom’s position as a global hub connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Both sides affirmed their strong support for the UN-brokered truce in Yemen and stressed the importance of extending the truce and building upon it a lasting peace agreement.
“President Biden expressed his appreciation for the role King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have played in achieving and renewing the truce,” the communique read. “The two sides stressed their long-stated goal to end the war in Yemen, and called on the international community to take a unified position calling on the Houthis to return to peace talks under the auspices of the United Nations based on the three references, including UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015).”
Only a political agreement between the Yemeni parties can durably resolve the conflict and reverse the dire humanitarian crisiis, the communique added.
Regarding Israel-Palestinian issues, the two sides re-affirmed their “enduring commitment to a two-state solution,” and as the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with the internationally-recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative.
“The leaders noted their determination to remain closely coordinated on efforts to encourage the parties to demonstrate – through policies and actions – their commitment to a two-state solution,” the communique said. “The United States and Saudi Arabia welcomed all efforts that contribute to reaching a just and comprehensive peace in the region.”
In regard to ongoing war in Ukraine, the two sides underscored the need for maintaining a rules-based international order and emphasizing the importance of the respect for international law, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty.
“The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to providing critical assistance to the Ukrainian people, and to ensure the unhindered export of grain and wheat products to alleviate the global food crises, which threatens to acutely impact a number of Middle Eastern and African states,” the communique said.