Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images Updated 1346 GMT (2146 HKT) 16 July 2022 US President Joe Biden poses with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al Khalifa, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II for a family photo in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday 16 July. . Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images President Joe Biden has wrapped up his four-day visit to the Middle East, his first trip to the region since assuming the Oval Office. On Saturday, Biden sought to reassert US leadership in the Middle East as he met with key leaders in the region, pledging that his administration would remain engaged amid fears that China and Russia would quickly fill a leadership vacuum. Biden arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday. He was welcomed at the Al Salam Royal Palace by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the two exchanged a fist bump before holding meetings. Biden also met with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism since US intelligence has held the crown prince responsible for the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Biden has defended his trip, saying it is critical to the security of the United States. In remarks late Friday, Biden said he mentioned Khashoggi’s killing while meeting with the crown prince, who denied involvement in the journalist’s death. “I put it at the top of the meeting, making it clear what I thought about it then and what I think about it now. I was direct and straightforward in the conversation. I made my point crystal clear,” Biden said. “I said very bluntly, for an American president to be silent on the issue of human rights is inconsistent with who we are and who I am. I will always stand up for our values.” Biden began his trip on Wednesday in Israel, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Herzog presented Biden with the Presidential Medal of Honor for his support of Israel throughout his career. On Friday, Biden met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Biden has had a number of commitments in East Jerusalem and the West Bank and several funding announcements aimed at helping the Palestinians.
