This could be the last trip as U.S. Secretary of State

Pompeo travels to Saudi Arabia and the Emirates to strengthen ties

photo_camera PHOTO - This could be the last trip as U.S. Secretary of State

The US State Department has announced the forthcoming visit of US diplomat Mike Pompeo to the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Secretary of State will visit the United Arab Emirates. "Because the UAE is an important friend and partner, we will do everything we can to help them counter the Iranian regime. This includes the proposed $23 billion sale of "fighter aircraft, air systems and more," the State Department official said.

"The United States and the United Arab Emirates have a long-standing and very close bilateral relationship.

The sale of F-35 aircraft to Abu Dhabi was announced a few days ago. The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday its intention to sell up to 50 F-35 aircraft to the UAE. This sale comes in the context of Washington's deal with Arab countries after the signing of the Abraham Accords, which meant the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel-Bahrain and the UAE.

The sale was a "recognition of the deepening of our relations and the need for the UAE to have advanced defense capabilities to deter and defend itself against Iran's growing threats," the secretary said.

The proposed sale [of the F-35] will support U.S. foreign policy and national security by helping to strengthen the security of an important regional partner. The UAE has been, and continues to be, a key U.S. partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the State Department said.

"The UAE has demonstrated its commitment to modernizing its armed forces and will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support represents a significant increase in capacity and will change the regional military balance," he said.

In Saudi Arabia, Pompeo will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss efforts to foster greater regional security and stability, a State Department official said.

Pompeo will also express support for Riyadh's progress in transforming its economy and for the Vision 2030 plan.

"He will reaffirm a relationship that has deepened since the [historic] meeting between King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt.... 75 years ago," said the U.S. official, according to local media.

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