ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Saudi Arabia and the United States are working on a historic agreement that could reshape their partnership with significant deals in strategic, economic, and military areas.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, highlighted that while they are close to finalizing key parts of the agreement, it’s crucial to ensure every detail is settled before it becomes official. “We are very close on many important elements, and we hope to finalize everything soon,” Ratney said. He expressed a strong desire to complete the deal as quickly as possible but acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations.
Earlier this year, White House Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had nearly wrapped up a deal, according to reports from the Saudi Press Agency. The US has also committed to continuing arms sales to Saudi Arabia, recognizing the country’s efforts to broker peace in Yemen. Ratney emphasized, “Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in diplomacy to end the war in Yemen and minimize civilian harm, which reflects our growing partnership and the need for a more nuanced approach.”
Ratney also touched on broader regional issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the rise in Houthi attacks. The US is maintaining a strong naval and military presence in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to ensure freedom of navigation and protect regional stability. “Our commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia and the entire region is crucial,” he said.
The US and Saudi Arabia share a vision of achieving a two-state solution, allowing Palestinians and Israelis to coexist peacefully. Ratney stressed the importance of a political process and negotiations for Palestinian statehood while focusing on immediate efforts to halt violence and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
On the economic front, Ratney highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, noting new opportunities in areas like space exploration. “Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in commercial space are huge, and we’re excited to be part of that journey,” he said.
Overall, the partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia is evolving, reflecting a deepening relationship that spans security, diplomacy, and economic growth.
