Biden Ahead of Saudi Visit: "We Must Further Solidify Our Strategic Partnership"

U.S. President Joe Biden. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] U.S. President Joe Biden, who has officially announced his visit to Saudi Arabia, expressed his determination to further solidify the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.

President Biden stated this in an op-ed for The Washington Post (WP) on the 9th (local time). He emphasized the need for cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the largest oil exporter, especially as price stability has become a top issue due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Biden said, "Energy resources in the Middle East are essential to alleviating the global energy supply burden triggered by the Ukraine war," adding, "Saudi Arabia is one of them."

President Biden is scheduled to visit Israel and Saudi Arabia from the 13th to the 16th. In Saudi Arabia, he will also attend the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit. He plans to meet not only King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud but also the de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, this has drawn negative reactions from U.S. human rights organizations. Crown Prince Mohammed is accused of being behind the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018, and is criticized for neglecting human rights due to political necessity.

President Biden seemed aware of this, stating in the op-ed, "I know there are many who disagree with my visit to Saudi Arabia," and added, "My views on human rights have long been firm, and I will clearly convey how important it is to achieve progress in fundamental freedoms."

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