Saudi Prince Faisal, Blinken discuss bilateral relations, Iranian interference on sidelines of G20 meeting

MATERA, Italy — Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan met here on Tuesday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign and development ministers of the G20 in the southern Italian city of Matera.

During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries and explored ways to support and strengthen them in various fields to serve common interests.

The two sides also touched on the most prominent topics raised at the meeting of G20 foreign ministers and discussed strengthening joint coordination between the two countries to stop Iranian interference in the region and its financing of the Houthi militia in Yemen and other terrorist groups that threaten international peace and security.

They also discussed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas.

Following the meeting, the US secretary of state took to Twitter, saying: At the G20 today, I met with Saudi Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan about regional security and our shared goal of achieving a ceasefire and transitioning to a political process in Yemen, as well as continued progress on human rights and economic reforms in the Kingdom.”

The meeting was also attended by Prince Faisal Bin Sattam the Kingdom’s ambassador to Italy and Abdulrahman Al Daoud, director-general of the Saudi foreign minister's office.

The Saudi foreign minister also held an official meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on the sidelines of the G20 meeting.

During the meeting, they reviewed the G20 agenda. They also discussed bilateral ties and sought to enhance coordination between the cooperation in various fields to serve common interests.

The two ministers also shared views on the latest developments in the regional and international arenas.