Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Secretary Blinken underscored the need to avoid further escalation in the region. The Secretary discussed ongoing efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Secretary discussed the recent increase in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and emphasized that increase must be sustained. The Secretary and Foreign Minister continued discussions on regional and bilateral efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region, including through greater integration among countries in the region and a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. They also discussed efforts to resume negotiations under the Jeddah platform aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan and preventing further widespread civilian harm.
