WASHINGTON — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as Riyadh seeks closer coordination with the United States over regional security and the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The talks are expected to focus on developments in Yemen, recent attacks affecting Saudi Arabia, and broader security concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia has been working to strengthen its defence and diplomatic coordination with Washington amid renewed tensions with the Houthis, who have carried out missile and drone attacks that they say are linked to the wider regional conflict.
The meeting also comes as Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan deepen defence cooperation under a new trilateral agreement. Riyadh has sought greater coordination with regional and international partners as security concerns continue to grow.
For Washington, discussions with the Saudi leadership are expected to include regional stability, maritime security and efforts to contain further escalation.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of continuing instability in Yemen, where fighting between Houthi forces and forces aligned with the internationally recognized government has persisted despite previous efforts to reach a lasting political settlement.
The talks between Faisal bin Farhan and Rubio could provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss their respective approaches to Yemen and wider regional security, including the protection of shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Neither side has publicly announced the outcome of the talks at the time of this report.
