The Wall Street Journal reported that the Saudi Deputy Defense Minister will travel to Washington next week, and according to several US and foreign officials, he will become the highest-ranking official in the Saudi government under Biden.
Prince Khalid bin Salman, the son of Saudi King Salman and the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will enter Washington amid strained relations with the United States. Last February, the US government accused the Saudi Crown Prince of killing journalist Jamal Khashgeji, but did not personally punish him.
Officials said that Prince Khalid, who previously served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Washington – a position he took on at the age of 29 – is expected to meet with several senior State Department, Defense Department and White House officials, including the National Security Adviser.
On the agenda, the American newspaper said it would address security in Iraq and Syria, the ongoing war, the humanitarian crisis, the ceasefire effort in Yemen, the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and Saudi concerns.
Officials said Biden was not expected to meet with the prince. The National Security Council declined to comment.
A Saudi royal message reveals a ban on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington and his meetings with US President Joe Biden.