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US State of Department: Riyadh Summits Stand Against Iran’s Malign Influence | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Part of US-Saudi meetings during Riyadh Summit (SPA)


US State of Department: Riyadh Summits Stand Against Iran’s Malign Influence

by | May 23, 2017 | Saudi Arabia |

US State of Department: Riyadh Summits Stand Against Iran’s Malign Influence

Riyadh – The outcomes of the Riyadh summits lie in the interest of both Saudi Arabia and the United States and enhance the Gulf’s capabilities in facing Iran’s interferences through increasing their military potentials, according to a US State Department official.

US State Department Spokesperson Nathaniel Tek stated that US-Saudi cooperation is at the highest level, adding that both countries are coordinating fully in countering terrorism and extremism.

Tek pointed out that the cooperation between the US and the Gulf will deter Iran’s “malicious” actions in the region.

The spokesperson told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that outcomes of the Riyadh summits will form the needed front to put an end to Iran’s interventions in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.

He reiterated that President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia as his first abroad visit sends a clear message to both countries’ enemies and a positive one to the friendly countries. He stated that the US doesn’t abandon its friends and will exert all possible efforts to support to the Gulf in order to establish security and peace in the region.

“It is not strange that US President Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his first visit. Washington regards Riyadh as the center of the Islamic world. President Trump regards all other religions with respect and appreciation just as he mentioned in his speech,” Tek explained.

When asked whether Trump’s visit will promote the positive image of the region inside of the US, Tek said that the US government views Saudi Arabia as the backbone of stability in the Middle East. He added Washington wants to ensure stability in the region, especially in the Kingdom.

The US official confirmed that both Riyadh and Washington are coordinating to stand against all challenges that might face both countries whether economically, security or politically.

Earlier, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that Washington is fully intended to support Riyadh “in particular in the face of malign Iranian influence and Iranian-related threats which exist on Saudi Arabia’s borders”.