WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
The two leaders, during a meeting in Washington, also reviewed strategic ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
They emphasised the need to promote regional stability and maintain the uninterrupted flow of global trade and supply chains.
#Washington | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. pic.twitter.com/v6lCKb80L9
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 28, 2026
They discussed regional political and security developments, and addressed the ongoing situation in Yemen.
Prince Faisal and Marco Rubio called for continued coordination and consultation on matters of mutual interest, while supporting diplomatic efforts to address regional crises and advance peace, security, and stability.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Washington Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Lebanese Affairs Prince Yazid bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Farhan, Special Envoy and Advisor of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Negotiations and Peace Efforts Manal Radwan, and Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister meets US Representative to UN
Meanwhile, Prince Faisal bin Farhan also held a meeting with US Representative to the United Nations Michael Waltz, in the presence of Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, in Washington.
#Washington | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, @michaelgwaltz, in the presence of U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos. pic.twitter.com/u5IyuggoUF
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 29, 2026
They reviewed relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States and discussed ways to enhance cooperation, as well as the latest regional developments and efforts to reach comprehensive and sustainable political solutions, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
Saudi FM addresses UN General Assembly
It is pertinent to mention that Saudi Foreign Minister addressed the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.
He appreciated the peace and de-escalation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar and other countries, as he warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East posed risks to international peace, energy security and global trade.
He said Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region had been subjected to “flagrant Iranian attacks” targeting security resources as well as civilian and economic facilities.
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He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to protect its security and sovereignty, along with its citizens, residents and national resources, while urging the international community to confront threats to international peace and security.
“The security of the Gulf region is part and parcel of the security of the region and the world at large,” he said.
Protecting vital waterways
The Saudi foreign minister stressed that stability in the Gulf was directly linked to global energy security, international trade and supply chains.
He called for freedom of navigation through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and rejected the use of these routes by any party as an instrument of pressure or threat.
He also called for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to return to its status before 28 February, “without the imposition of any fees or restrictions”.
