UPDATE 2 - US Secretary of State Rubio makes 1st official visit to Saudi Arabia

This is 1st visit by Marco Rubio since he became secretary of state in Trump’s administration

UPDATES WITH SAUDI CROWN PRINCE RECEIVING US SECRETARY OF STATE; REVISES THROUGHOUT

By Ahmed Asmar and Rania Abu Shamala

ANKARA (AA) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in Riyadh with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday during his first official visit to Saudi Arabia.

A Foreign Ministry statement said talks between the two diplomats took up bilateral relations and “ways to enhance them in a manner that serves the interests of both countries.”

The discussions also dwelt on regional and international developments “and the efforts being made in this regard,” the statement said.

Rubio was also received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the visit, the ministry later reported, without providing further details.

The US top diplomat arrived in Saudi Arabia early Monday from Israel, where he met with senior officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It was the first visit by Rubio since he became a secretary of state in the administration of President Donald Trump last month.

He is also scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates as part of his ongoing regional tour.

Kaynak: