The security of Saudi Arabia is a “priority” to the United States, stressed a senior American official to Asharq Al-Awsat on Friday.
He said that the two sides are working “closely” to confront the “threatening behavior” of some “dangerous” regional players.
This was a clear reference to Iran and its militias in countries such as Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and others.
Asked about Riyadh-Washington ties in wake of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the US, he replied: “Saudi Arabia is primary partner and old friend.”
He explained that these ties have been developed and strengthened since 1940 when diplomatic ties between them were first established.
“We look forward to bolstering these ties further in the joint security and economy fields,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Crown Prince had arrived in Washington on Tuesday, the first of his multi-state tour of the US. He started his visit by holding talks with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Since then, he has held talks with a number of political and economic officials, such as US Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin, managing director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde and President of the World Bank Jim Yong Kim.
