Rubio-Saudi Crown Prince Meeting in Riyadh, Discussion on Security, Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon

Rubio-Saudi Crown Prince Meeting in Riyadh, Discussion on Security, Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon

Riyadh, February 18 – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a meeting on Monday to discuss the situation in Gaza. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio is visiting the Middle East, and the main purpose of this trip is to discuss the proposal made by President Donald Trump to resettle Gaza's residents in other Arab countries.

Trump’s proposal has caused widespread outrage in the Arab world, where he suggested relocating Gaza's residents and proposed the U.S. lead the reconstruction of the enclave. In response to this, Rubio emphasized the importance of addressing Gaza's security situation and regional stability during his talks with the Saudi Crown Prince.

Both parties reaffirmed their support for the ceasefire agreed last month between Israel and Hamas and discussed Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea, Bruce said.

Saudi state news agency SPA reported that Rubio and the Crown Prince discussed regional and global developments and efforts to achieve security and stability.

Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, coming directly from Israel. This trip marks the first Middle East visit by the U.S. Secretary of State.