King Salman’s visit bolsters key ties with United States

It is not an everyday event when leaders of such importance as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman visit Washington. The significance and outcome of this historic visit is different from most others as it is built upon a historic alliance between the two countries. They have established a strategic long-term political relationship and share permanent economic interests.
Thus the Saudi-American meeting has deep implications for a decades-old relationship. The meeting will be open and frank and so it should be; there is no possibility of the two countries damaging their relations since they have survived differences in the past and the links have emerged stronger than before.
Nonetheless, if we are truthful, we must admit that the two countries have different positions and opinions about the region’s priorities. Riyadh will put all its cards on the table so that Washington is aware of both the risks and challenges in the area. These include such issues as Yemen, Syria, Iran’s expansion, terrorism and the oil market. The vague and confused American policy has impacted the political scene and given distorted images to allies as well as enemies and new regional realities have been negatively affected.
Despite the differences, both parties will work to improve the relationship, particularly after setting clear and honest goals. The two leaders’ one-on-one meeting might push Washington to reconsider its regional policies and priorities.
It is possible that this historic visit will be remembered for coming at a time of a perceived reduction in America’s role and interest in the region despite its relations with the region’s countries. This coincides with the decline of the United Nations as an effective international institution responsible for the protection of international peace and security.
Saudi Arabia of course is not a marginal state and will openly state its position. The Kingdom’s primary message to the White House includes the need to take responsibility in making peace in the region. This means that solving the Palestinian problem based on the two-state solution is a given. Otherwise the road to terrorism and extremism will be left wide open.
The power of Saudi diplomacy, with its moderate and rational views, is definitely a source of anxiety to Israel and Zionist organizations, such as the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and other lobbies. They know that Saudi Arabia can influence decision-making in the White House and they chant the same old mantra: Saudi Arabia funds terror. Regardless, the Kingdom proudly defends Arab issues and wants to see internationally legitimate decisions implemented. Sadly this has not happened with the Palestinians in the past nor with the Syrians and Yemenis in the present.
Nobody expects radical political changes from the meeting of the two leaders but the visit will doubtless strengthen the two countries’ relations. In addition, it will send a strong message to Iran that sanctions will be reinstated if Tehran does not abide by the deal.
For Saudi Arabia, the matter of Iran is more than the nuclear deal, and an agreement with Tehran is not the end of the road. Circumstances suggest that Iran has expansionist plans in the region as indicated by its support for terrorist groups. We fear that the agreement with the West will lead Iran to continue on its path of ignoring and not respecting international law.
When it comes to important issues in the region, an exit from the Syrian crisis could occur with the implementation of the Geneva I recommendations. Fighting terrorism and radical groups, on the other hand, is a key issue requiring deep international cooperation. In Yemen, there is also a pressing need to implement UN resolutions. The question of oil will be present in these meetings so that it does not become a political weapon in the hands of any country.
In short, King Salman’s visit to Washington is part of a cumulative effort to build on the two countries’ relationship and to stress the centrality of Saudi diplomacy. It moves in all directions and can engage with the world’s countries. Saudi Arabia has proven to have a strategic and rational vision that maximizes the points of interests and alliances.

— Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi is a member of the Shoura Council.