US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Strengthens US-GCC Partnerships
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Hashim Sheikh
- . June 15, 2023
- . Update: June 15, 2023 4:01 pm
The recent trip to Saudi Arabia by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has dispelled myths and reinforced the strength of the US-Saudi and US-GCC alliances. As tensions over Syria’s readmission to the Arab League and the Saudi-Iranian deal to resume diplomatic relations sparked speculation about a rupture between the two sides, these alliances’ future was under threat. Disagreements over OPEC’s policies, China’s expanding influence in the region, and the perception that the US had mixed feelings about its presence in the Gulf all contributed to the deterioration of the alliances. However, Blinken’s visit has shown how persistently committed the US is to the security of the region and has opened the door for improved collaboration in a number of areas.
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Reassurance of Commitment to Regional Security
In a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit, Secretary Blinken emphasised their shared commitment to achieving peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East and elsewhere. In order to put an end to the conflict in Sudan and reach a comprehensive political accord for peace, prosperity, and security, all parties emphasised their continued cooperation in diplomatic negotiations. In order to catch up to China, the US’s biggest economic rival, the discussions also focused on strengthening economic cooperation.
Reaffirmation of Strategic Partnership
Secretary Blinken met with the foreign ministers of the GCC in Riyadh as part of the 2015-announced GCC-US Strategic Partnership. Even in the face of divergent opinions on specific matters, the ministers concurred that the relationship is strong and here to stay notwithstanding recent conflicts. The discussions focused on regional security and highlighted the partnership’s strategic, aspirational, and expanding nature. Notably, hot-button issues including Iran, Syria, and Ukraine were discussed at the discussion.
Shared Vision on Key Issues
Recognising the crucial role the region plays in the world economy and in international trade, the US reaffirmed its commitment to the security of the area. The Middle East’s peace, security, stability, integration, and economic success were all goals shared by all parties. The opening of the GCC-Iraq electric grid project served as a concrete example of advancement as infrastructure initiatives intended to foster regional integration and interconnectivity were discussed.
Defense and Security Cooperation
The US and GCC allies emphasised their shared commitment to promoting regional security and stability, notably by preserving the freedoms and rights associated with navigation. Through combined military drills and the Combined Maritime Forces framework, which focuses on addressing challenges to the security of boats in the region’s waterways, they reviewed their defence cooperation. The parties also proposed holding new working group meetings to address issues like Iran, integrated air and missile defence, maritime security, and counterterrorism.
Diplomacy and De-escalation
The ministers emphasised the value of dialogue and de-escalation with regard to Iran. As stated in the Saudi-Iran-China statement of March 10, the US welcomed the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran but emphasised commitment to international law, especially the UN Charter. Along with highlighting support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a strengthened role for the International Atomic Energy Agency, the commitment to ensuring maritime security, freedom of navigation, and thwarting aggressive acts in the area was also emphasised.
Focus on Political Solutions
The parties appreciated Arab attempts to end the issue in Syria in conformity with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. This allusion demonstrated their support for a political resolution via the UN’s mediation procedure. The visit also reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and its opposition to unilateral actions on settlement construction and the city of Jerusalem.
Principles of Sovereignty and International Law
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the US and GCC allies emphasised the significance of upholding the norms of sovereignty and international law. They demanded a peaceful resolution and more efforts to deal with the humanitarian consequences. They also suggested extending the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative to make it easier for Ukraine to export grain and other food commodities.
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The US-GCC alliances have been revitalised and issues have been resolved in an effective and constructive way as a result of Secretary Blinken’s trip to Saudi Arabia and his subsequent discussions with GCC foreign ministers. Through the visit, myths were addressed and the US’s commitment to regional security was reaffirmed. Going forward, ongoing cooperation at the technical and ministerial levels is essential to strengthen the collaboration, especially in the economic sector where there are many win-win scenarios. The US should concentrate on escalating its own participation to guarantee mutual prosperity and security rather than bemoaning China’s expanding influence in the region.
