The Washington Post published an article written by US President Joe Biden, in which he revealed the reasons for his trip to the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia.
Biden explained that his trip to the Middle East next week will “start a new chapter” at a “critical time for the region” and work to advance important American interests.
“A more secure and integrated Middle East benefits Americans in many ways,” he said, because the region’s waterways are “essential to global trade and the supply chains we depend on,” not to mention “vital energy resources” to tap into. The impact of Russia’s war in Syria.” Ukraine on global supply under “.
Biden emphasized that the region was uniting “through diplomacy and cooperation” rather than “divisive through conflict.”
He noted that “it is unlikely” that a new burden will be placed on the shoulders of “American troops and their families”.
He stated that avoiding this scenario “is of the utmost importance and I will continue diplomacy intensively and through meetings to achieve” Washington’s goals.
Recalling the missile attack on the American embassy in Baghdad a month before his inauguration as the president of the United States, Biden believes that the “Middle East” that he will visit is “more stable and safer than what his administration promised 18 months ago.” has inherited.
The President of the United States said regarding relations with Saudi Arabia: the policy of a blank check inherited by his government has been reversed for the issuance of intelligence reports related to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and sanctions have been imposed on those involved. “
Emphasizing that his government will not tolerate foreign threats and persecution of opponents by any government, he added: His government has defended the American citizens who were unjustly detained in Saudi Arabia, who have been released, and will continue to press for the cancellation of the trip. gave Restrictions.
He explained that his administration intends to “redirect relations, not cut them off, especially with a country that has been a strategic partner for eight decades,” adding that Washington has helped restore unity among the Gulf states and that the ceasefire in Yemen supported Currently, with the participation of other OPEC producers, it contributes to the stability of the oil market.
Biden said that his “views on human rights are clear and freedoms are always on his agenda when he travels,” especially since “his job is to preserve the strength and security of the United States” and “countering Russian aggression.” To strive for greater stability in the region, and for this purpose “we have to deal directly with the countries that can influence these results, and Saudi Arabia is one of these countries.”
He stated: His goal in meeting with the Saudi leaders on Friday will be to strengthen the strategic partnership based on common interests and responsibilities while adhering to American values.
He noted that he will be the first president to fly from “Israel to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia” and that this step may make a symbolic contribution to the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries, especially as the region has the potential for a “more stable and integrated Middle East.” ».
The US president noted that the war in Yemen, which has created “one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with the lack of a political process to end the fighting” and after a year of intense diplomacy, laid the foundations for this war. “Cease fire” while the last few months in Yemen were the most peaceful months of seven years ago.
He noted that the United States feels isolated and alone on the Iran nuclear issue, especially after the administration of former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal, which Biden described as a “success”. sat down
He added that Washington was able to reverse the “isolation” in the nuclear case and “isolate Iran until it returns to the nuclear agreement”.
He emphasized that his government will continue diplomatic and economic pressure until Iran is ready to adhere to the 2015 nuclear deal.
Regarding the case of the Iraqis, Biden said: “The combat mission of the Americans” has ended and the military presence has shifted towards training the Iraqis while maintaining the coalition’s missions against ISIS.
Biden, on the other hand, reviewed US efforts to end the Gaza war, which could last several months, as efforts were made in cooperation with Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan to keep the peace without allowing the terrorists in again. To restore US relations with the Palestinians.
Biden said: “The region is still full of challenges, including Iran’s nuclear program, the war in Syria, food security crises, the presence of terrorist groups in some countries, political deadlock in Iraq, Libya and Lebanon, and human rights cases.” He added: We have to deal with all these issues.
Source: Lebanon Debate