Saudi Arabia optimistic about ‘excellent relationship’ with US under Biden

US President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, after his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States, January 20, 2021. (Reuters)
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Updated 21 January 2021
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Saudi Arabia optimistic about ‘excellent relationship’ with US under Biden

  • The US president was inaugurated on Wednesday on the steps of the US Capitol
  • Biden has said he wants to restore the nuclear deal with Iran

LONDON: Saudi Arabia is optimistic about having an “excellent relationship” with the US under the leadership of its new president, the Kingdom’s foreign minister told Al Arabiya.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan added that “common interests” between the two countries had not changed and that the Biden administration will find that Saudi Arabia and the US have common goals regarding the situation in Yemen.

Washington’s designation of the Houthis is deserved, the minister added during an interview with the news channel on Thursday.

Prince Faisal also said that if the Houthis decide that putting Yemen's interests first is a priority, this will facilitate a solution to the crisis in the country. 

The foreign minister added that the Iranian regime must change its ideas and focus on the prosperity of its people and that the Islamic Republic’s calls for dialogue are not serious. 

He said that the Kingdom would consult the US with regards to an agreement with Iran so that it will have a strong basis. 

The minister continued by saying that European countries understand that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran contained shortcomings.

On Iraq, Prince Faisal praised Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi’s government and said that it is doing robust work to build the country’s institutions.

He added that there was continuous security coordination between Saudi Arabia and Iraq and that the Kingdom was keen to increase economic cooperation with the country.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 48 min 8 sec ago
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.