Saudi 'Wangtta' Maker Biden Extends Hand, Saying "Open to Visit"

Seeking to Calm Soaring Oil Prices, Moves to Strengthen Relations with Saudi Arabia

U.S. President Joe Biden (79) is delivering a speech on the recent mass shooting incident on the 2nd (local time) in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] U.S. President Joe Biden hinted on the 3rd (local time) at the possibility of visiting Saudi Arabia, with which relations have been strained.

When asked by reporters whether he would visit Saudi Arabia, President Biden responded, "There are no immediate plans at this time." He also stated that he has been working for more stability and peace in the Middle East and that there is a possibility of meeting with Israel and Middle Eastern countries. He explained that if he goes to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia would be included.

President Biden had publicly shown hostility, declaring that he would isolate Saudi Arabia from the international community after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was identified as the mastermind behind the 2018 murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

However, with U.S. gasoline prices soaring and government approval ratings wavering, President Biden has no choice but to seek improved relations with Saudi Arabia, the leading oil-producing country in the Middle East.

Earlier, foreign media reported that President Biden plans to visit Saudi Arabia during his trip to Europe and Israel later this month, and Israeli media even specified the date, stating that President Biden will visit Israel on the 23rd.

When asked whether he still believes Saudi Arabia should be isolated from the international community, President Biden said, "I will not change my stance on human rights," but added, "As the President of the United States, my duty is to bring peace if possible. That is what I intend to do." He avoided answering the question about the possibility of meeting Crown Prince Mohammed, saying it was a question that was too premature.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.