Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia a ‘top priority’ for Trump administration: Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that strengthening ties with Riyadh was a top priority for the Trump administration after meeting Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman on Tuesday.

“Strengthening this key relationship is a top priority for the Trump Administration, especially when it comes to working towards our shared interests across the Middle East and advancing security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,” Rubio said in a post on X.

State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the two underscored the importance of strengthening the bilateral security relationship. They also discussed ways to jointly promote peace and stability in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and across the region, Bruce added.

“The Secretary highlighted the need to stand together against Houthi threats to regional security,” she said in a readout of the meeting.

Prince Khalid met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Monday. Waltz called the Saudi defense minister “my good friend,” adding: “The Trump administration and the Kingdom stand united promoting peace, prosperity, and development.”