Two Saudi delegations to visit US as ties improve


The first delegation is due to travel to Washington on June 15 and will be led by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi. The second, led by Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih, is scheduled for the end of the month, two officials said.

Those responsible declined to be named because the plans have not been made public.

The delegations are expected to include dozens of Saudi government officials and business executives who will discuss deals and transactions in several sectors, including transport, logistics and renewable energy, they said.

The Saudi government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Friday, Biden publicly acknowledged he may visit Saudi Arabia soon, a trip that multiple sources say is expected and could include talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The visit would help mend relations with Saudi Arabia, which have been strained by rising energy prices, the war in Yemen and the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul. .

Biden’s announcement follows Thursday’s decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, to increase oil production, and an agreement between the US-backed government. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis aligned with Iran to extend a truce in Yemen. Mr. Biden and the White House congratulated Saudi Arabia on both decisions.

The position of the United States is also changing because it is concerned about the strengthening of the Gulf States’ ties with China and Russia.

“Whether or not Biden’s visit takes place, both sides are working to re-establish ties at the institutional level and across different sectors,” one of the officials said.



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