Blinkens Visit to Saudi Arabia Caps U.S. Effort to Rebuild Ties
The New York Times Biden aides are closely watching Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans overtures to China, his attitude toward Israel and his balancing act with Russia and Ukraine.
By the time Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken wrapped up a visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, he and Saudi officials had discussed cooperation on a smorgasbord of issues: Iran, Sudan, the Islamic State, regional infrastructure, clean energy and the potential normalization of Saudi-Israel relations.
Mr. Blinken gave effusive remarks on the work being done at a news conference in Riyadh: It is critical for expanding opportunity and driving progress for our people and for people around the world.
It was the type of bonhomie that American officials usually reserve for close allies. Mr. Blinkens three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, which included a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the nations de facto leader, is the most obvious effort yet by the Biden administration to move past the hostility that President Biden expressed at the prince and his government last fall.
