Strengthening U.S. Ties, Holding Iran to Account Are Among Priorities for Saudi Arabia, Says Foreign Minister

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir underscored the strength of Saudi-US relations, addressing continued and expanded areas of cooperation.

"The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have had a historic strategic partnership, if not alliance, since World War II; that relationship continues. We expect it to broaden and deepen and grow stronger. Our interests are aligned when it comes to the issues of the region," said Minister Al-Jubeir. "We have very, very strong people-to-people relationships with the U.S., and I expect that this will continue."

Minister Al-Jubeir said that Iran must be held accountable for its support of terrorism, violation of ballistic missile arrangements and for its interference in the affairs of the countries in the region. "Iran has been single-handedly the most important supporter of terrorism in the region.  Iran has supported, created and supported Hezbollah.  Iran has harbored terrorists," said the foreign minister. "Virtually every country in the world has been attacked by Al-Qaeda and Daesh (ISIS) except Iran. Why?"

On the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Minister Al-Jubeir stressed that the Arab Peace Initiative remains on the table. "Our hope is that there will be enough courage and enough political will on both sides to be able to move to settling this longest conflict in our region," he said.

In response to a question about the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), Minister Al-Jubeir noted the legislation has undercut the foundation of sovereign immunity, turning "the international order into the law of the jungle."

"Our hope is that wisdom will prevail and the Congress will do the right thing and make the adjustments," the foreign minister added. "The country that has the most to lose from dilution of sovereign immunities is the United States itself. And American officials know this. Because America has the largest footprint in the world, they operate all over the world. They're fighting wars all over the world. They provide weapons to countries all over the world. If that principle is eroded, then the US could be sued in virtually every country in the world."

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office