US President Joe Biden said his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and cooperation with the Kingdom is important to confront Russia, overcome competition with China, and achieve stability in the Middle East.
Biden mentioned in an article he wrote before his expected tour to the Middle East and was published by the "Washington Post" newspaper, that among other things, the Saudi authorities are working with the US administration to increase oil supplies to the global market and reduce oil prices.
"As president, it is my job to keep our country strong and secure. We have to counter Russia's aggression, put ourselves in the best possible position to outcompete China, and work for greater stability in a consequential region of the world," Biden said.
The US president added, "To do these things, we have to engage directly with countries that can impact those outcomes. Saudi Arabia is one of them.
He noted that the aim of the meeting with Saudi leaders which is scheduled on July 15 is " to strengthen a strategic partnership going forward that's based on mutual interests and responsibilities, while also holding true to fundamental American values."
The president's visit has drawn criticism as US intelligence has held Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for ordering the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
As a candidate for president, Biden had pledged to make the kingdom a "pariah."
Follow the latest news on Google News
