Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that provides for the release of the hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance, and improved humanitarian access throughout Gaza. They continued discussions about how to establish governance, security, and reconstruction in the post-conflict period in a way that builds lasting peace and security, as well as steps to further greater regional integration. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed shared objectives for promoting regional stability, including efforts to deescalate tensions along Israel's northern border and to end the conflict in Sudan. Secretary Blinken condemned the Houthi's attacks on international shipping and their detention of at least 50 Yemeni employees of UN agencies, Member State diplomatic missions, private companies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. He echoed calls for their immediate release, stressing that the detention of UN and NGO staff directly and negatively affects organizations' ability to provide humanitarian aid.

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