Osaka, June 29: United States President Donald Trump met with Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, also knows as MbS, on the final day of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, and reaffirmed commitment in fighting against terrorism.
According to ANI news reports, during their bilateral meeting, Trump referred MbS as a “friend of mine”, and stated the crown prince, against which several have voiced for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has done really a “spectacular job”, and it was “great honour” to meet with him.
Trump said, “This friend of mine has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia, especially women empowerment. I am seeing a revolution happening in a very positive way.”
Trump told reporters he had some meetings over the military, economic development, and trade and they have been really terrific, as everyone knows Saudi Arabia is a big buyer of America.
He added, “For a long time, there was a question of whether or not Saudi Arabia and other countries were sponsoring terrorism. And I know not only you but also your father, the King, put in a tremendous effort to seize the money going to the groups that were not liked by us. I really appreciate that.”
While the US president emphasized the Kingdom remains an important ally in combating terrorism, MbS stated, “The whole world is grateful for your efforts in the fight against terrorism.”
MbS said, “In the last five years we have achieved a great deal on the economic, military and political side and we will continue that together for the job creations in both countries.”
However, Trump didn’t mention about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder case – reportedly claimed by the CIA assessment and United Nations (UN) that the crown prince had ordered the killing of the journalist.
Meanwhile, after finishing his meetings, he headed for an official visit to South Korea, saying he was willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea.
In a tweet, Trump said, “After some very important meetings, including my meeting with President Xi of China, I will be leaving Japan for South Korea (with President Moon). While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!”
After some very important meetings, including my meeting with President Xi of China, I will be leaving Japan for South Korea (with President Moon). While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2019
However, the White House was yet to disclose the US president’s specific plans in Seoul.