Biden Talks Directly with Saudi King... Emphasizes Cooperation While Pressuring Bin Salman

Phone Call Ahead of Khashoggi Assassination Report Release
Prior Call to Ease Tensions Amid Concerns Over Bilateral Relations...Minimizing Discord

President Joe Biden [Photo by AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] U.S. President Joe Biden spoke by phone with Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, for the first time since his inauguration. This move is interpreted as an effort to prevent concerns about strained relations with Saudi Arabia both domestically and internationally, ahead of the release of a report on the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi that points to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, as being behind the incident.

On the 25th (local time), the White House announced that President Biden spoke with King Salman of Saudi Arabia for the first time since his inauguration, stating, "The two leaders discussed regional security issues, including diplomatic efforts led by the UN and the U.S. to end the Yemen war, and a commitment to help defend Saudi territory against attacks by groups linked to Iran." It added, "President Biden reaffirmed the importance he places on universal human rights and the rule of law, and plans to work to make the bilateral relationship as strong and transparent as possible."

The call took place ahead of the release of a report by U.S. intelligence agencies on the Khashoggi assassination. The report includes the possibility that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, son of King Salman and the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, approved or ordered the assassination, raising concerns about deteriorating relations with Saudi Arabia. It is interpreted that President Biden initiated the call to apply pressure on Crown Prince bin Salman while signaling that there will be no significant damage to the alliance with Saudi Arabia.

The New York Times (NYT) reported, "It is still unclear whether Khashoggi was mentioned during the call between the two leaders," and added, "President Biden will have to decide whether to impose sanctions on Crown Prince Mohammed."