NSC Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk and Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein visited Saudi Arabia April 13 and 14, joined for Yemen-related engagements by Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking.
They held constructive talks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Minister of Energy AbdulAziz bin Salman, Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, and other senior Saudi officials. Their discussions focused on the critical progress being made toward a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Yemen, which President Biden has long prioritized. Both sides welcomed their close coordination that supported a UN-led truce one year ago and that has helped forge conditions for a more enduring peace. The U.S. side confirmed its support for the defense of Saudi Arabia against threats from Yemen and elsewhere.
They also discussed a range of global matters and the establishment of a more integrated, stable and prosperous Middle East region, including through investments in the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) projects to support accessible 5G and 6G technologies. The two sides committed to remain in regular contact over the coming period.
