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US, Saudi to build ‘new foundation of cooperation’ to fight Daesh

May 10, 2017 at 1:35 pm

US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly [greatagain.gov]

In anticipation of President Donald Trump’s first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia later this month, US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has described the monarchy as a “critical ally in the region”.

Quoting Trump, Kelly mentioned that “as the custodian of the two holiest sites in Islam, it will begin to construct a new foundation of cooperation and support with our Muslim allies to combat extremism, terrorism and violence and to embrace a more just and hopeful future for young Muslims in their countries.”

In remarks to Arab News, Kelly said: “President Trump has accepted the invitation of King Salman to visit Saudi Arabia later this month. The visit will reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and allow the leaders to discuss issues of strategic concern, including efforts to defeat terrorist groups and discredit radical ideologies.”

Read: Saudi Arabia now owns America’s largest oil refinery

Kelly visited Aqaba, Jordan and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 5-8 May to participate in high-level meetings with foreign partners and to advance cooperation on a range of security issues.

US Homeland Security press release confirmed that Kelly met with Saudi Crown Prince and Minister of the Interior, Mohammed Bin Nayef Abdelaziz Al Saud, and other senior officials regarding bilateral cooperation, including counterterrorism, information sharing, border and maritime security, cyber threats and aviation security.

The secretary also visited the Mohammed Bin Nayef Centre for Counselling and Care to observe the kingdom’s unique rehabilitation efforts focused on preventing terrorist recidivism through training, reintegration and teaching counter-extremist ideology.