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Potential MBS-Biden meeting at G20 summit to discuss multifaceted deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
21 Aug 2023 14:55
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Biden is reportedly seeking to hold talks with MBS on the sidelines of the G20 summit to discuss Saudi normalization with "Israel" among other topics.

President Joe Biden fist-pumping with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, July 15, 2022 (Royal Court of Saudi Arabia)

US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sides of the upcoming G20 summit scheduled in New Delhi next month, Axios reported citing sources with direct knowledge of the situation.

This prospective meeting holds significant implications, potentially boosting the ongoing discussions between the White House and the Saudi government aimed at a substantial deal.

The comprehensive accord could encompass US security assurances for Riyadh, in exchange for a normalization pact between Saudi Arabia and "Israel".

However, any such arrangement may necessitate Congressional approval, as many Democrats harbor strong reservations about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman due to concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Biden's administration has been restlessly working to conclude diplomatic engagements with Saudi Arabia before the impending presidential election campaign takes up the President's attention.

Several pivotal matters remain unresolved, including the prospect of a defense treaty between Washington and Riyadh, as well as potential US backing for a civilian nuclear program, involving uranium enrichment within Saudi borders.

The White House National Security Council has refrained from confirming the news of a potential KSA-USA meeting, asserting that there is no announcement to make at this juncture.

Earlier in August, Bloomberg reported that the attempt to normalize relations between "Israel" and Saudi Arabia is an effort to curb China's sway in the region.

In recent months, the Biden administration has been discreetly exploring the potential for Saudi-Israeli normalization.

To cater to Saudi Arabia, the US aims to assist with the development of a civilian nuclear program, provide access to advanced American weaponry, and offer a written security guarantee akin to NATO's "Article 5" commitment.

In exchange for assuring Saudi Arabia's security, Biden intends to limit the Kingdom's ties with China, according to Bloomberg, likely by restricting technological connections and securing assurances that de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman won't establish Chinese bases in the Gulf.