Riyadh, 3 February 2024 (TDI): In a recent diplomatic discussion, the Saudi Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Following the phone conversation, they addressed both regional and global issues of mutual concern, notably developments in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding regions.
In addition, both parties examined steps to address the safety and humanitarian consequences of the Gaza conflict.
Saudi-Iran ties
On January 31, 2024, in the aftermath of the Gaza crisis, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal bin Farhan, had a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
During the phone conversation, Saudi foreign minister and Hossein Amir Abdollahian discussed areas of shared collaboration, Saudi-Iran links, and the most recent international and regional developments.
Most importantly, they examined the situation in Gaza, focusing on its security and humanitarian aspects.
According to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken discussed plans to travel to the Middle East with the Saudi minister.
Antony Blinken stated, “I am returning to the Middle East this coming week to continue working with our partners on how to achieve durable peace in the region, with lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Mathew Miller noted that Blinken confirmed the importance of securing an emergency pause, which involves the exchange of Hamas hostages.
Upcoming Diplomatic Dialogue
Furthermore, it was announced that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel.
Blinken also discussed Gaza via phone, and he will travel to the West Bank from February 4 to 8, his fifth trip to the war region since the October 7 Hamas attack, the State Department announced on Friday.
Also Read: US Secretary Visits Saudi Arabia
According to the State Department, Blinken’s visit attempts to improve the US’s efforts to provide a hostage and captive exchange between Hamas and Israel.
Also, the agreement would involve a humanitarian pause, which would allow for the ongoing and increased supply of assistance to Gaza’s citizens.
However, on the other hand, the Biden administration has refused to call for a pause, indicating that this would be considered a victory for Hamas.
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