Saudi Arabia and US Negotiations
The Biden administration has actively pursued a significant deal with Saudi Arabia, involving various benefits for the Middle Eastern country. This deal includes a defense pact, assistance with a civilian nuclear program, and uranium enrichment capacity. In return, Saudi Arabia is expected to provide its first-ever recognition of Israel.
Key Discussions
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler and top aide to President Joe Biden have engaged in talks regarding a “semi-final” version of the deal. These discussions aim to strengthen security ties between the two nations.
Recent Meeting
A meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, took place in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on the details of this meeting, emphasizing the progress made in finalizing the strategic agreements between the two countries.
Focus Areas
The discussions also touched upon efforts to address the Palestinian issue and work towards a two-state solution. Additionally, there were talks on ending the conflict in Gaza and improving the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region.
Recent Developments
In a previous interview, Prince Mohammed expressed optimism about normalizing ties with Israel. However, following attacks by Hamas, the US accused the militant group of hindering the normalization efforts. The US Secretary of State suggested that these attacks were aimed at disrupting potential diplomatic progress.
