U.S. Official: Burns Confirms Washington's Commitment to Intelligence Cooperation with Saudi Arabia

An American official revealed today, Thursday, that the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, held talks in Saudi Arabia with his counterparts and leaders of the kingdom to reaffirm intelligence cooperation at a time when Saudi Arabia and Iran are resuming relations in a Chinese-mediated agreement. The American official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, "Director Burns traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he met with intelligence counterparts and the country's leaders regarding issues of mutual concern." He added, "The director confirmed our commitment to intelligence cooperation, especially in the area of counterterrorism." The Washington Post, which was the first to report on Burns's visit to the kingdom, noted that Burns was in Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The United States and Saudi Arabia have closely collaborated for decades on counterterrorism and other intelligence issues.