Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s alleged private insult of US President Joe Biden during the latter’s visit has been refuted by Saudi Arabian foreign minister.
Additionally, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud denied a report that MBS told aides he was disappointed with Biden and preferred former US president Donald Trump.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal that was published this week, Prince Faisal stated that these charges made by unreliable sources are completely incorrect. “The kingdom’s leaders have always held the utmost respect for US presidents, based on the kingdom’s belief in the importance of having a relationship based on mutual respect.”
As Saudi-US relations have deteriorated as a result of the recent OPEC+ policy led by Saudi Arabia and Russia amid the American energy price crisis. OPEC+ announced a significant reduction in oil output earlier in October to support prices despite pressure from the United States.
The world’s top oil producer was forewarned by US president on October 11 that there would be “consequences.” The comment was made following the production reductions that occurred as the globe battles to manage the high energy prices brought on by the conflict in Ukraine.
The decision of OPEC+, which now includes Russia, undercuts the strategies of Western nations. In reaction to Moscow’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, the west intended to set a limit on the price of Russian oil.
A number of Democratic officials are furious about the output reduction that occurred just before the pivotal midterm elections that will take place next month. They have pleaded with the US government to put Riyadh and Abu Dhabi under pressure to change their minds.
Biden under More Pressure
According to Saudi Arabia, the two million bpd output decrease was not meant to raise the energy prices. It said that the action had been taken to stabilize the oil market.
Saudi Arabia’s minister of investment promised to get past this recent quarrel with the United States. The conflict, according to Khalid al-Falih, was unjustified and both nations were “strong friends” in the long run.
He mentioned Japan and Korea and said, “On the other side, we’re very strong with our Asian partners,” He said that Beijing was Riyadh’s main customer for its hydrocarbon exports.
US president’s most recent visit to Saudi Arabia occurred in a condition that the two side’s ties had already been strained. Biden office’s severe criticism of Bin Salman’s role in the assassination of WP journalist Jamal Khashoggi had served as the main cause of the tensions.
Saudi Crown Prince, and its de-facto ruler, received Biden in a cold welcome in Jeddah sufficing to a fist bump. The visit has had no feasible outcome as Saudi Arabia has preferred to side with the East bloc.
A month before the midterm elections in the United States, as a critical point for the stability of Biden administration, the energy challenge with Saudi Arabia might further damage the democratic campaign. The group had already lost favor in the country due to multiple challenges like the abortion law crisis and financial meltdown.
