Obama hails relations with Saudi Arabia as ‘extraordinary’

US President Barack Obama has praised his country’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, saying that the two countries have always enjoyed an “extraordinary” friendship going back many years.

“The United States and Saudi Arabia have an extraordinary friendship and relationship that dates back to President Franklin D Roosevelt,” said Obama. “We are continuing to build that relationship during a very challenging time.”

The president made his comments during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Nayef and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, on their first visit to Washington since their appointment. Bin Nayef stressed the importance of bilateral relations between his country and the US.

Obama told reporters ahead of the talks that the kingdom was “a crucial component in the fight against the Islamic State militant group in Iraq.” He noted that his work with Crown Prince Mohammed on counterterrorism has been critical “not only to maintaining stability in the region, but also to protecting the American people.” The president added that they would discuss how to build on a ceasefire in Yemen and work toward “an inclusive, legitimate government” in Saudi Arabia’s impoverished neighbour.

An announcement by Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz a few days ago that he will not attend the Camp David summit prompted speculation about differences between Washington and Riyadh. This was denied by the White House earlier this week.