RIYADH: On the heels of the Saudi-American strategic dialogue, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus stressed her country’s support to the Kingdom in facing the Iranian, Houthi aggression and said that Saudi Arabia “absolutely” has the right to defend itself.
During a phone interview with Arab News, Ortagus described the Saudi-American relationship as “strategic, sophisticated and bipartisan” regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election.
Regarding critics who question US arms sales to the Kingdom, Ortagus said that deals have been happening “under Republican and Democratic administration for some time,” adding that both this administration, as well as previous ones, supported them.
Having lived in Saudi Arabia almost a decade ago while working under former President Barack Obama, she remembers those deals well.
“We know that Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf are on the front line of Iranian aggression,” she said. “That’s why we have sought to bolster and strengthen our allies to stand up to the aggression from Iran.”
Expressing concern over the abandoned and decaying oil tanker, the Safer, that has been moored near Ras Issa oil terminal on the shores of the Red Sea for more than five years, she said: “The leaking and immobile oil storage vessel Safer is a time bomb in the Red Sea, and if it ruptures, it will devastate the Red Sea ecosystem — killing its marine life and its treasured environmental heritage and depriving the people who rely on the Red Sea of their livelihoods.
“The Houthis have politicized the tanker by continually imposing conditions before they will grant access to UN officials who need to board the Safer and do the work necessary to prevent massive environmental damage throughout the region. We call for an end to the delays and for the UN experts to be granted access so that they can assess the vessel and begin repairs.”
Following the strategic dialogue which took place on Oct. 14, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a $1 billion investment for a new embassy in Riyadh and two consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. “This shows our commitment to Saudi Arabia,” said Ortagus.
The relationship between the two countries has spanned 75 years, “we think about it in terms of the past, present and future.”
She termed the relationship as “strong but certainly not without its challenges.”
Ortagus added: “We have faced enormous challenges and moments of very trying times. But, when we start to look forward toward the future, it is important that the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia is a bipartisan relationship as it has always been.
“The relationship is certainly based on more than military, security, and oil.”
She said: “It has become a much more sophisticated trade relationship and very, very close people ties.
“We look at the next 75 years as something that can be fruitful and positive and certainly support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for the country.”
She underlined the US support for the upcoming G20 virtual summit which Saudi Arabia is hosting virtually due to the pandemic.
“I know we are all disappointed that we won’t be in Saudi Arabia for that meeting, but we will be working together quite closely,” Ortagus added.
Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus
https://arab.news/5fe9c
Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus
- US State Department spokesperson stresses support against Iran
- Ortagus tells Arab News relationship with Saudi Arabia “is bipartisan”
Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris
- 75 countries gather in Riyadh to address orbital risks, promote sustainable space use
- DebriSolver competition highlights innovative solutions for orbital safety
RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency will host the second Space Debris Conference in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two-day event will bring together experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including governments, international organizations, and specialized space companies.
The conference is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to unify international initiatives addressing the growing challenges of space debris and to promote the sustainable use of outer space as a shared resource.
It aims to protect space activities and orbital infrastructure while supporting the growth of the global space economy, the SPA added.
Held with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, the conference highlights the importance of international cooperation and effective governance frameworks to mitigate space debris risks and ensure a safe, sustainable space environment.
The event seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for space sustainability by enhancing international coordination on space debris issues.
It also highlights the Saudi Space Agency’s role in promoting policies and initiatives that safeguard the future of the space economy, the SPA reported.
Key objectives of the conference include raising global awareness of space debris risks, reviewing related legislation and policies, fostering research and innovation, and developing effective international governance mechanisms to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of orbital environments.
The conference will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches on themes including space sustainability, protection of the global space economy, strengthening international cooperation, and showcasing innovations, partnerships, and operational solutions to address space debris challenges.
A highlight of the event is the DebriSolver competition, an international platform encouraging applied innovation in space debris mitigation.
Leading experts and international judges will evaluate innovative solutions against the highest scientific and technical standards, supporting the transition from research concepts to practical, deployable solutions.
By hosting the conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its leading role in supporting international space initiatives, strengthening public-private partnerships, and shaping the future of the global space community.
This aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the space economy and sustainability, the SPA stated.
The first edition, held in Riyadh in 2024, attracted participants from more than 50 countries, along with international organizations and global companies, and concluded with recommendations to raise awareness of the importance of managing space debris.
