“To do these things, we need to work directly with countries that can influence these outcomes. Saudi Arabia is one of them, and when I meet with Saudi leaders on Friday, my goal will be to strengthen a strategy partnership in the future based on mutual interests and responsibilities while upholding fundamental American values,” he added. The President’s visit has drawn criticism since US intelligence has held Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As a presidential candidate, Biden had pledged to make the kingdom a “pariah.” In his op-ed, Biden also said he would focus on a more integrated and stable Middle East, calling the region “vital to global trade and the supply chains we rely on,” while also noting how critical energy supplies are in the Middle East. . of sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. “And a region that is united through diplomacy and cooperation — rather than torn apart by conflict — is less likely to spark violent extremism that threatens our homeland or new wars that could burden American military forces and their families. ” Biden said. Biden implicitly criticized his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, for abandoning the Iran nuclear deal and said his administration “will continue to increase diplomatic and economic pressure until Iran is ready to return to nuclear compliance 2015 agreement, as I remain prepared to do.” .” The President is also scheduled to travel to Israel during the visit. In his op-ed he cited US security assistance for the country, while also noting, “Working with Congress, my administration has restored approximately $500 million in support to the Palestinians.” Biden is scheduled to travel to the region on Wednesday.
