Decision to see Saudi leaders during July trip comes after Biden labeled the kingdom a ‘pariah’ when running for president
Joe Biden will visit Israel, the occupied West Bank andThe announcement immediately put the administration on the defensive, given the president’s previous stance that the Saudi regime was a “pariah” because of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and other human rights abuses.The White House press secretary, Karin Jean-Pierre, said: “It’s important to … emphasise that while we recalibrate relationships, we are not looking to rupture relationships.
Human rights advocates and some Democrats have cautioned Biden about visiting the oil-rich kingdom, saying such a visit without getting human rights commitments would send a message to Saudi leaders that there are no consequences for egregious rights violations. The Saudis have been accused of using mass arrests, executions and violence to quash dissent., Donald Trump’s son-in-law and chief adviser.
The White House announced the trip after Saudi Arabia this month helped nudge Opec+ to ramp up oil production by 648,000 barrels a day in July and August, and the kingdom agreed to extend a United Nations-mediated ceasefire in its seven-year war with Yemen. Biden called the ceasefire decision “courageous”. Prince Mohammed played a “critical role” in brokering an extension of the ceasefire, according to a Biden administration official who spoke to reporters.
“He will also discuss means for expanding regional economic and security cooperation, including new and promising infrastructure and climate initiatives, as well as deterring threats from Iran, advancing human rights and ensuring global energy and food security.” Biden is also expected to meet athletes taking part in the Maccabiah Games, a competition that brings together Jewish and Israeli athletes from around the globe.
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