Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia expected to be officially announced on Monday

Washington: US President Joe Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia, which will take place next month, is expected to be officially announced on Monday, The Wall Street Journal reports citing officials with direct knowledge of the plans.
Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia next month as part of a broader trip to the region that includes a stop in Israel, the officials said, adding that the agenda currently includes a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Officials said they need to work with Saudi Arabia on a number of global challenges, including rising oil prices and the Iran nuclear crisis, making the relationship too critical to abandon.

Biden, earlier on Saturday, when asked about his decision to go to Saudi Arabia, responded saying “Not yet.” He said any talks with the kingdom would focus on security issues.
On Friday, CNN reported citing senior US officials that the Biden administration and the Saudi leadership had agreed to move past differences over the killing of columnist Jamal Khashoggi amid the need to boost oil production.
Biden is ready to reset relations with Saudi Arabia in order to repair ties between the two allies, but he will raise Khashoggi’s killing when meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince in July, the report said.
Biden will fly directly from Tel Aviv to Riyadh during his trip to the Middle East next month, according to CNN. Saudi Arabia, Israel and the other countries in the Middle East reportedly share a significant agenda that includes ending wars and bringing stability to the region through diplomacy. (UNI)