The United States of America affirmed its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and defending its territory, and to facilitating the Kingdom’s ability to obtain all the capabilities necessary to defend its people and territory against external threats.

This came in a joint statement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America (Saturday), the text of which follows:

At the gracious invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on July 15 and 16, 2022. Following the meeting between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and President Joe Biden, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister, held an official meeting with President Biden, attended by senior officials from both sides. The two leaders reviewed in detail the shared priorities that would contribute to strengthening the partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides issued this statement, which reviewed aspects of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America over the coming decades, with the aim of promoting their shared interests and vision for a Middle East characterized by stability, prosperity, security and peace.

Strategic partnership

The two sides reviewed the historic relations and partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, which was established nearly eight decades ago with the meeting between King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – and President Franklin Roosevelt aboard the USS Quincy. The two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to strengthen this strategic partnership in a way that serves the interests of the governments and peoples of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. They also emphasized the pivotal role of this historic partnership in promoting prosperity and stability in the region. The two leaders affirmed that the Saudi-American partnership has been a cornerstone of regional security for decades and stressed that both countries share the same vision for a region that is interconnected with the world, characterized by security, stability, and prosperity.

Both sides stressed the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, and alleviating humanitarian crises by providing economic and financial support to the countries in the region most in need, emphasizing the importance of the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the necessity of supporting the governments of the region that are facing the threat of terrorists or groups affiliated with and supported by external powers.

Both sides noted the historical ties that bind the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, and in this regard welcomed the extension of the validity of tourist and work visas for 10 years to encourage relations between the two peoples and economic cooperation.

The two sides reviewed aspects of cooperation and achievements in the following areas:

Energy and climate cooperation

Both sides emphasized the importance of their strategic economic and investment cooperation, particularly in light of the current crisis in Ukraine and its repercussions, and reaffirmed their commitment to the stability of global energy markets. The United States welcomed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting a balanced global oil market for sustainable economic growth. Both sides agreed to consult regularly on short- and long-term global energy markets and to work together as strategic partners on climate and energy transition initiatives, commending Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the future of energy.

The American side praised the Saudi Green Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative, and welcomed the Kingdom’s recent participation in the Major Economies Climate and Energy Forum, its joining the Global Methane Pledge, its position as a founding member of the Zero Neutrality Forum for Energy Producers, and the Kingdom’s announcement of its goal to produce 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

Both sides welcomed the achievement of a bilateral partnership framework in the field of promoting clean energy, which includes major investments in the clean energy transition and addressing climate challenges, with a particular focus on renewable energy sources, clean hydrogen, human capacity building, cooperation on regulatory aspects in the nuclear field, in the field of carbon capture, utilization and storage, development of sustainable materials and other initiatives within the framework of the circular carbon economy, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to be a global leader in this field.

Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment

Both sides affirmed that energy transition and national security considerations for both Saudi Arabia and the United States necessitate stable and diversified supply chains. In this regard, the United States welcomed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Global Infrastructure Partnership and Investment Initiative, announced by President Biden at the G7 Summit on June 26, 2022. Through this historic partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia aim to invest strategically in projects that support digital connectivity, supply chain sustainability, and energy and climate security, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.

Security and Defense

President Biden affirmed the United States’ strong and enduring commitment to supporting the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and defending its territory, and to facilitating the Kingdom’s ability to acquire all the capabilities necessary to defend its people and territory against external threats.

Both sides stressed the need to deter Iranian interference in the internal affairs of countries, its support for terrorism through its affiliated armed groups, and its efforts to destabilize the security and stability of the region, emphasizing the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through strategic international waterways, particularly the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, and welcomed the newly established Combined Task Force 153, which focuses on the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea and further deters illicit smuggling into Yemen. They also welcomed Saudi Arabia assuming command of Combined Task Force 150, which enhances the shared maritime security objectives in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Arabian Sea.

In an effort to improve and facilitate information sharing in maritime security, cooperation between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Combined Task Force 153 will be enhanced through a regional coordination center, which will be commanded from the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The United States also emphasized the importance of increased cooperation between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and U.S. Fifth Fleet Task Force 59, which leads an expanded and integrated fleet of advanced, AI-powered vessels to improve maritime surveillance and security and support regional security.

Cooperation in the field of 5G and 6G technologies and the Open Radio Access Network

Both sides welcomed the signing of a new memorandum of understanding linking technology companies in Saudi Arabia and the United States to promote the deployment of 5G technology using open radio networks, enable the development of 6G using similar technologies, and strengthen partnerships in cloud infrastructure and related technologies. This partnership underscores the Kingdom's leading position as a regional hub for 5G technology deployment and future 6G developments.

Cybersecurity

Both sides emphasized the importance of joint cooperation in cybersecurity to protect the fundamental interests and national security of both countries. They welcomed the recent signing of memoranda of understanding between them related to cybersecurity cooperation and resolved to continue strengthening the prompt exchange of information, building human and technical capacities, and developing cybersecurity industries.

space exploration

Both sides welcomed enhanced cooperation in all areas of space exploration, including astronaut missions, Earth observation, commercial development, systems and procedures, and responsible conduct in outer space. President Biden welcomed Saudi Arabia’s signing of the Artemis Accords and commended the Kingdom’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the responsible, peaceful, and sustainable exploration of space.

Tyran Island

President Biden welcomed Saudi Arabia’s arrangements for the withdrawal of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) from Tiran Island, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces stationed there as part of the MFO mission, while maintaining and continuing all existing commitments and procedures in the area. This area of ​​the Red Sea will be developed for tourism and economic purposes, contributing to the peace, prosperity, and security of the region.

crossing the skies

In keeping with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its obligations under the 1944 Chicago Convention, which stipulates non-discrimination between civil aircraft used in international air navigation, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that it has decided to open its airspace to all air carriers that meet GACA’s requirements to transit Saudi airspace. The United States welcomed this announcement, which will enhance global air connectivity and help solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global hub connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Vision 2030

The US side welcomed the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which represents the Kingdom’s strategic plan for economic transformation and social reforms, and the Kingdom’s efforts to increase women’s economic participation and promote interfaith dialogue. The Kingdom also welcomed increased US private sector investment in the Kingdom, as well as increased Saudi investment in the US private sector, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries.

The American side welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the World Expo in 2030, and other events that will be held during the year 2030, which is an important year that will come as a culmination of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform program. The Saudi side noted the importance of the World Cup that Qatar will host later this year for the region, and also welcomed the United States hosting the World Cup in 2026.

Regional cooperation

The two sides discussed a number of regional and international issues, including the following:

Yemen

Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for the UN-brokered ceasefire in Yemen and stressed the importance of its continuation and progress toward a lasting peace agreement. President Biden expressed his appreciation for the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in achieving and renewing the ceasefire. Both sides reiterated their long-standing goal of ending the war in Yemen, calling on the international community to take a unified stance demanding that the Houthis return to UN-sponsored peace talks, based on the three agreed-upon frameworks, including Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015). They emphasized that a political agreement among the Yemeni parties is the only way to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict and reverse the dire humanitarian crisis.

Both sides affirmed their support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, expressing their gratitude to the Council for its commitment to the truce and the steps that have contributed to improving the lives of Yemenis throughout the country, including facilitating fuel imports and resuming flights from Sana'a.

Both sides stressed the need to remove all obstacles to the flow of essential goods and the delivery of aid within Yemen, and the importance of the Houthis opening the main roads leading to Taiz – Yemen’s third largest city, which has been under siege since 2015.

Saudi Arabia and the United States also encouraged all regional actors to fully support the truce, which has resulted in the longest period of peace in Yemen in the past six years. Saudi Arabia welcomed the United States' support for the truce and its contribution to efforts to advance the political process in Yemen.

Iraq

President Biden welcomed the leading role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in strengthening relations with the Republic of Iraq, and the historic agreements to be signed on the sidelines of the Jeddah Summit for Security and Development, on July 16, 2022, to link the electricity grids between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with Iraq, in order to provide Iraq and its people with new and diverse sources of electricity.

Palestinian issue

Regarding the Palestinian issue, both sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, with a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, as the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in accordance with internationally recognized frameworks and the Arab Peace Initiative. The leaders indicated their determination to coordinate efforts closely and continuously to encourage all parties to demonstrate their commitment to the two-state solution through policies and actions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States welcomed all efforts that contribute to achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Syria

Both sides affirmed their commitment to preserving Syria’s unity, stability, and territorial integrity, and their support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to find a political solution to the conflict in accordance with the formula contained in Security Council Resolution 2254 issued in 2015, while stressing, at the same time, the need to prevent a resurgence of violence, maintain ceasefire agreements, and allow the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all Syrians in need.

Lebanon

Both sides expressed their continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and for the Lebanese Armed Forces, which protect its borders and combat the threats posed by extremist and terrorist groups. They also emphasized the importance of forming a Lebanese government and implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms to ensure Lebanon overcomes its political and economic crisis and does not become a launching pad for terrorists, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of the region. They stressed the importance of the Lebanese government extending its control over all Lebanese territory, including implementing the provisions of relevant Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement, so that it can exercise its full sovereignty, ensuring that no weapons exist except with the Lebanese government’s consent and that no authority exists outside its control.

Ukraine

Both sides affirmed that the rule of law is at the heart of international security, stressing the importance of respecting the principles of international law, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty. They also reaffirmed the principles enshrined in UN General Assembly Resolution 1/11-ES of 2 March 2022, which was supported by all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The leaders affirmed their commitment to providing vital humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people and ensuring the unhindered export of grain and wheat to alleviate global food crises that threaten to severely impact several countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Sudan

Both sides emphasized the importance of dialogue among Sudanese parties and the revitalization of the political process. They also commended the efforts of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMISS) in supporting a return to the foundations of a political solution in Sudan, and expressed their satisfaction with the active role played by the Quartet on Sudan, wishing Sudan and its people stability and prosperity.

Libya

Both sides affirmed their support for the Libyan people as they engage in the UN-mediated political process to prepare for presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible. They also expressed their full support for the Libyan ceasefire agreement of October 23, 2020, and the Libyan call for the complete and immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2570 (2021).

Afghanistan

Both sides affirmed the need to support Afghanistan's security and counter the threat posed by terrorists based in the country. They also stressed the importance of continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. They expressed their support for meeting the needs and promoting the rights of the Afghan people, including the rights of women and girls to education, access to the highest attainable standard of health, and the right to work.

Counter-terrorism

Both sides emphasized the importance of confronting terrorism and violent extremism, and their continued commitment to confronting al-Qaeda and ISIS, stopping the flow of foreign fighters, combating violent extremist propaganda, and cutting off terrorist financing channels.

Both sides highlighted joint efforts through the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center based in Saudi Arabia. They also reviewed and commended the exceptional success of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, established in Jeddah in 2014, and stressed the need for the coalition to continue its work and undertake long-term efforts, spanning several years, to repatriate ISIS fighters and tens of thousands of their family members from eastern Syria. They also welcomed the upcoming ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, to be held in Saudi Arabia in early 2023.

Conclusion

Both sides agreed to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas discussed at this meeting, ahead of the next annual strategic dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the United States, which will be held in the Kingdom later this year. The Jeddah Declaration forms the basis for future work to consolidate and enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries.