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President Joe Biden defended his plan to visit Saudi Arabia on Saturday, saying human rights would be on his agenda as he gave a preview of a trip on which he hopes to reestablish connections with the crown prince, whom he earlier condemned as a pariah.
During his journey to the Middle East next week, Biden will meet with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his leadership team, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to the US intelligence community, Crown Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, was responsible for the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist and political opponent Jamal Khashoggi.
Biden claimed in a Washington Post article published late Saturday that his goal was to concentrate rather than break relations with a country that has been a critical ally of the United States for 80 years.
“Many individuals are against my decision to visit Saudi Arabia. My views on human rights are firm and long-standing, and fundamental freedoms are always on the agenda when I travel abroad “Biden wrote an essay.
Biden requires oil-rich lands. Saudi Arabia’s assistance comes at a time when gasoline costs are skyrocketing, and he is encouraging attempts to end the war in Yemen, where the Saudis just extended a cease-fire. The US also wishes to limit Iran’s influence in the Middle East as well as China’s worldwide clout.
Biden stated that Saudi Arabia had lately helped to rebuild unity among the Gulf Cooperation Council’s six members, had fully supported the Yemen peace, and was working with other OPEC producers to stabilise oil markets.
Next week, Biden will be the first president to travel from Israel to Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, a little indication of “budding relations and steps toward normalisation” between Israel and the Arab world, he said.
“I will be the first president to visit the Middle East after 9/11 who will not be accompanied by US soldiers on a combat mission. It is my intention to keep it that way.” Biden stated.
On his journey from July 13 to 16, the president will make his first stop in Israel.
