Retired Army General John Abizaid, US President Donald Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia, underlined on Wednesday the importance of Washington-Riyadh ties.
“In the long run, we need a strong and mature partnership with Saudi Arabia,” Abizaid told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “It is in our interests to make sure that the relationship is sound.”
Abizaid, a retired four-star Army general, led US Central Command during the Iraq war. Expected to easily win Senate confirmation, he was praised by senators from both parties at the hearing.
Moreover, Abizaid said the Trump administration believes strongly that US support for the Saudi-led Arab coalition should continue.
“Doing so bolsters the self-defense capabilities of our partners and reduces the risk of harm to civilians,” Abizaid said.
