Today, Thursday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his American counterpart, Antony Blinken.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported this evening that the two sides discussed aspects of cooperation concerning regional and international challenges, as well as bilateral relations and the strategic partnership between the two countries. This call comes amidst the shadow of Jamal Khashoggi's case hovering over the relations between the two nations, where U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously described the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi as an "abhorrent act." Blinken emphasized in remarks to NBC that "the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was an abhorrent act against a journalist residing in the United States" and pointed out that "Washington is reviewing its relationship with Saudi Arabia to ensure it aligns with American interests and principles." The American Secretary declined to condemn Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom the Central Intelligence Agency concluded ordered Khashoggi's murder.
In September, the Saudi public prosecutor announced the closure of the Khashoggi case in both its public and private aspects, convicting eight individuals in connection with the murder. The court issued definitive rulings against the eight convicted individuals, in accordance with Article 210 of the Criminal Procedures Law, according to the spokesman for the public prosecution at that time. Blinken confirmed that Saudi Arabia is considered "an important security partner" for the United States and that Washington would focus on human rights issues within the framework of its relations with Riyadh. He added, "We will continue our joint efforts to defend the kingdom against external threats, while simultaneously intensifying diplomacy to end the conflict in Yemen and raising human rights issues within our relations."
This came after President Biden ordered an end to military support operations in Yemen, an action that Pentagon spokesman John Kirby indicated would halt the exchange of intelligence information and advisory support to Saudi forces.
