Saudi FM in Washington to lay groundwork for Trump visit, address tariffs
The prince's main agenda is to prepare for Donald Trump's first foreign trip overseas to Riyadh in May.
DUBAI — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington on Tuesday for high-level meetings with US officials, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and prepare for President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Riyadh in May.
Prince Faisal met with his US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and “prominent issues” in the region and beyond, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
In a statement from Rubio's office following the meeting, the top US diplomat praised Saudi efforts to "facilitate peace between Russia and Ukraine," counter Houthi threats, and ensure "freedom of navigation in the Red Sea."
The two also discussed the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a durable ceasefire in which "Hamas is completely disarmed and disempowered." On Sudan, they called for a return to peace talks, protection of civilians, and the restoration of civilian governance.
