WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Yemen, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance coordination and joint action regarding regional and international issues, according to the Saudi foreign ministry.
They also reviewed boosting bilateral strategic ties and opportunities in various fields, in addition to efforts aimed at achieving international peace and security.
Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan also attended the meeting.
“The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed diplomatic efforts in Gaza to release hostages and work towards a durable ceasefire in Gaza, in which (the Palestinian group) Hamas is completely disarmed and disempowered,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.
“The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also agreed that the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces must return to peace talks, protect civilians, open humanitarian corridors, and return to civilian governance,” said the US readout.
#Washington | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with @SecRubio U.S. Secretary of State at @StateDept. pic.twitter.com/OmC45q2sQM
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) April 9, 2025
Rubio also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate peace between Russia and Ukraine, enhance economic and defence cooperation, counter the Houthi threat in the region, and restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, according to the statement.
“Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of the US-Saudi relationship and committed to exploring ways to further strengthen the partnership,” it added.
Earlier, Prince Faisal met with US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz in Washington and explored prospects for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, they reviewed the strategic Saudi-American ties and also addressed a number of issues and topics of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Prince Faisal arrived in the United States on Tuesday for an official visit.
According to AFP, the top Saudi diplomat is in Washington to lay the groundwork for US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit, the first foreign trip of his second term.
Last month, Trump said he may visit Saudi Arabia as early as April in a reprisal of 2017 when the oil-rich country was the first destination of his first term in office.
