U.S., KSA declare strategic vision for peaceful Middle East

CAIRO – 21 May 2017: The United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are set to form a Strategic Joint Consultative Group, hosted by the American president and the Saudi king, to chart the course of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The group will convene at least once a year, alternating between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, according to a Joint Strategic Vision Declaration published on the Riyadh Summit’s official website Sunday.

The statement, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, emphasized that the two nations would dedicate themselves to work on a path for a peaceful Middle East, focusing on trade, diplomacy and economic development.

Seeking to address security threats and terrorism challenges, the two countries “seek to embark on new initiatives to counter violent extremist messaging, disrupt financing of terrorism, and advance defense cooperation,” the declaration read.

The two nations further called for “responsible governments willing to commit to peace” to join upon their efforts against violent extremis.

“We now stand together to thwart our common enemies, to strengthen the bonds between us, and to chart a path towards peace and prosperity for all,” the declare concluded.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh Saturday, where he was received by the Saudi King ahead of the Arab Islamic American Summit. Leaders of the two nations signed arms deals worth almost $110 billion.

This is considered Trump’s first foreign visit since he assumed power in January 20. He is expected to head to Jerusalem, the Vatican and hold meetings with leaders in Europe as part of a foreign tour.