NEOM — Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy prime minister and minister of the defense received on Monday evening the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. They discussed during the meeting the means to strengthen the two countries’ strategic relations in all fields. The discussions covered the issues of the region and other matters of common interest.

With respect to the Yemeni issue, the Crown Prince affirmed the Saudi initiative to end the Yemeni conflict which includes reaching a comprehensive ceasefire under the UN supervision, and supporting the UN proposal regarding allowing ships carrying oil derivatives to Hodeidah port and the opening of Sanaa international airport to flights — from and to — selected destinations.

This is in addition to the current humanitarian flights, and the start of political talks between the Yemeni parties to reach a political resolution based on the three references under the auspices of the UN.

On his part, Sullivan affirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries' and the iron-clad US commitment to support the Kingdom's territorial defense against all threats, including Iranian sponsored missile and drone attacks.

He also emphasized President Biden's endorsement of the Saudi goal of advancing a durable political solution and end to the Yemeni conflict. The two countries urged intensive diplomatic engagements in pursuit of that goal and emphasized the importance of the Houthis participating in good faith in political talks with the legitimate Yemeni government under the auspices of the UN.

The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif, minister of interior, Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar, minister of National Guard, Prince Khalid Bin Salman, deputy minister of defense, and Dr. Mosaad Bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, minister of state and member of the council of ministers and the national security adviser.

From the American side, it was attended by the US National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, and the US Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking, and the US Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Martina Strong. — SPA