US President Joe Biden on Friday confirmed the possibility of a trip to Saudi Arabia, which would fundamentally change his position, after he had previously promised to treat the kingdom as a “secret” country.
“I do not know the exact date of my trip. It is possible that I will meet with the Israelis and (officials) of some Arab countries. But I do not have a direct plan yet,” Biden told reporters.
“I have not changed my position on human rights in Saudi Arabia, but my position calls for me to work for peace in the Middle East,” Biden said.
The New York Times had speculated that Biden would travel to Saudi Arabia this month.
“The president decided to go to Riyadh this month to rebuild relations with the oil kingdom, while seeking to reduce fuel prices domestically and isolate Russia internationally,” the newspaper said.
He explained that logistical details and plans have not yet been confirmed, but that the trip will be added to a trip he will make to Israel and Germany in late June to attend the G7 summit and Spain to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Organization (NATO).
The talk of Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes as the parties to the Yemeni conflict extend a fragile ceasefire for two months.
Biden reportedly praised the “brave leadership” of Saudi leaders on Thursday.
The decision to travel is also expected as the Riyadh-led OPEC + coalition decided on Thursday to increase production after months of waiting, despite rising prices.
It has responded to the demands of Western powers.
In a related context, Biden noted that his administration’s decision to liberalize a percentage of US oil reserves “did not cause fuel prices to rise further.”
The president also praised his administration’s efforts to support the domestic economy, saying that the strong position of the US economy has led experts to believe that our growth rate will be higher than that of China.
“The numbers for the increase in American household savings and the reduction in debt are the highest since 2013,” Biden said.
Regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, Biden revealed that “Russia’s aggression against its eastern neighbor has pushed up food prices around the world.”
“Ukraine has 20 million tons of grain in stock and has remained in stock because of the Russian war,” Biden said, adding that Russia’s war with Ukraine has pushed up food prices around the world.
Source: Lebanon Debate
