Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the United States will only “grow stronger and deeper in all areas, irrespective of who is in the White House,” Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir told reporters today.
He expressed no concern about Donald Trump’s calls for a temporary ban on Muslims’ entering this country, and he complimented Hillary Clinton despite her call a few days ago for the “the Saudis, Qatari and Kuwaitis and others to stop their citizens from funding extremist organizations,” in addition to saying those countries “should stop supporting radical schools and mosques around the world that have set too many young people on a path towards extremism.”
Al Jubeir said at a Washington news conference that Clinton has “tremendous experience” and “has been to the region many times.”
Today’s remarks came amid Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s first visit to the United States. The crown prince, 30, wields a tremendous amount of influence in the Kingdom and could become the future leader of Saudi Arabia.
He has met in recent days with Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and, this morning, with President Obama at the White House.