Saudi Arabia and the United States have mutual standpoints on countering and deterring Iran's destabilizing behavior in the Middle East region, said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan.
Prince Farhan also said that the Iranian regime continues to provide financial and material support to terrorist groups; including in Yemen where the Houthis have launched; more than 300 Iranian-made ballistic missiles and drones toward the Kingdom.
The Saudi foreign minister made the remarks at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; here on Wednesday.
Prince Farhan is in the US for the first Saudi-Strategic Dialogue, which aims to further strengthen the historic relationship between the two countries.
Commenting on the dialogue, the Saudi foreign minister said: "Today's meeting took place 75 years after the historic meeting in 1945 between President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the USS Quincy that established our enduring strategic partnership."
Prince Farhan also added that the meeting is coming at a very important time. He said that the strong partnership between the two countries is vital in confronting the forces of extremism; and terrorism that threaten our security and prosperity.
Briefing the media about the meeting, the Saudi minister said: "We had a very constructive discussion this morning on ways to enhance and also build upon the strong bilateral ties between the Kingdom and the United States in all fields."
In addition he said; "I look forward to more discussions this afternoon on our joint efforts to advance regional peace and stability; and to expand our economic and defense cooperation".
Seeking to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation, furthermore Prince Farhan said: "Under the leadership of King Salman; Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and President Donald Trump we look forward to expanding our ties; enhance our institutional cooperation and elevate our partnership to new heights."
Meanwhile, the US secretary of state also agreed that Iran's destabilizing behavior must stop; adding it "threatens Saudi Arabia's security and disrupts global commerce."
Pompeo said Iran's behavior was evident in its attack on Saudi Aramco facilities last year; and frequent Houthi attacks inside Saudi territory using rockets, drones; and "lethal weapons supplied by the Iranian regime."
Pompeo also announced that the US was preparing to acquire a 26-hectare site for a new US embassy in Riyadh.
Later in the day; the Saudi foreign minister took to Twitter and said: "It always feels great to be back in DC. Today, it's a plaesure to have met with Secretay Mike Pompeo. We held talks regarding KSA-USA strategic and historic partnership and a wide range of topics. I look forward to having a successful and constructive Strategic Dialogue."
