US' Kerry, Saudi prince pledge to fight extremism

By Esra Kaymak Avci

WASHINGTON (AA) – Secretary of State John Kerry and Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to continue fighting the extremism that led to Sunday's massacre in Orlando, the State Department said Tuesday.

Kerry hosted bin Salman on Monday for an iftar dinner in Washington DC, where the pair discussed regional issues, including Yemen, Syria, Libya and countering terrorism, Kirby said.

The two leaders have shared commitments to fighting regional and international violent extremism, according to agency spokesman John Kirby.

The meeting occurred a day after U.S. citizen Omar Mateen killed 49 victims and wounded 53 others at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The massacre is considered by many to be the deadliest shooting in American history.