Rubio meets Saudi Crown Prince, discusses regional security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan during his first official visit to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the long-standing US-Saudi relationship on its 80th anniversary. The discussions included a commitment to implementing a ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the release of hostages by Hamas, alongside addressing regional security issues in Syria and Lebanon. Rubio's visit comes ahead of anticipated talks between US and Russian diplomats aimed at negotiating an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. While the Saudi statement did not address Ukraine directly, Rubio's discussions signal a strategic alignment between the US and Saudi Arabia regarding broader geopolitical stability. The meetings highlight the importance of US-Saudi cooperation amidst shifting global dynamics, particularly concerning security and economic interests. This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement as the US seeks to strengthen ties with key allies in the Middle East.