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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the importance of an “arrangement for Gaza that contributes to regional security” during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, the State Department said Monday.
Rubio and bin Salman reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages, including American citizens, according to a readout from State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The Secretary also highlighted the 80th anniversary of the 1945 meeting between then-President Franklin Roosevelt and Saudi King Abdulaziz aboard the USS Quincy and expressed a commitment to deepening US-Saudi economic and defense cooperation, she added.
The discussions between Rubio and bin Salman covered regional issues, including Syria, Lebanon, and Red Sea security, with both sides emphasizing the need to ensure freedom of navigation.
Rubio also held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud during his visit.
The US top diplomat arrived in Saudi Arabia early Monday from Israel, where he met with senior officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
It was the first visit by Rubio to the Middle East since he became a secretary of state in the administration of President Donald Trump last month.
He is also scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates as part of his ongoing regional tour.
Rubio’s visit comes as US President Donald Trump has proposed to “take over” the Gaza Strip, relocate Palestinians there to Egypt, Jordan and other countries, and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The idea has been widely rejected by the Arab and Muslim world and many other nations, who say it amounts to ethnic cleaning.
The proposal emerged after the truce agreement took effect in Gaza on 19 January, pausing Israel’s 15-month onslaught, which has killed more than 48,000 people and left the enclave in ruins.
READ: Israel strikes southern Lebanon ahead of deadline for withdrawal
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