The US Secretary of State John Kerry said in Riyadh yesterday that the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia is solid and that it will not be affected by the nuclear deal with Tehran. Kerry also said in press statements at the American embassy before he left the Saudi capital that the relationship between his country and Saudi Arabia is old and will not be affected by any events that create a difference in visions. He added “We have as solid a relationship, as clear an alliance and as strong a friendship with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia as we have ever had, and nothing has changed because we worked to eliminate a nuclear weapon with a country in the region”.

Kerry discussed ways of strengthening strategic relations between the United States and America with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is also Minister of Defence. These talks took place before Kerry’s discussions with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Kerry reassured the GCC regarding the agreement which allowed the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of “interference” in the affairs of Arab countries in a region where countries stand divided on many issues, especially the conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

Kerry also asserted the need for joint action between the US and GCC countries led by Saudi Arabia, and pointed out that that would help provide stability and prosperity in the Middle East and find solutions to conflicts there.

The Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said on the side lines of the ministerial meeting of India-Arab League Cooperation Forum in Manama yesterday that the Saudi-Iranian relations situation does not need a mediator, and added that many countries have offered to mediate and convey ideas between Saudi Arabia and Iran, “but there is no need for that, Saudi Arabia knows its position well just as Iran is aware of what is expected of it”.

The Manama declaration that was issued after the meeting included a condemnation of the attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Mashhad.