Blinken-We Are Not Asking Anyone To Choose Between The US And China

Some of the key comments emerging from presser between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan taking place in Riyadh. Amid a shift in Gulf focus towards China, Blinken states that the US is not asking any countries to choose between Washington and Beijing. Faisal bin Farhan states that 'cooperation with China is likely to grow', but that the 'partnership with Washington remains robust'.

• In response to Blinken's comments that the US will keep human rights 'firmly' on the agenda, the Saudi minister states that "We don't respond to pressure" regarding human rights. Faisal bin Farhan: "We have differences of opinion but we're working on finding a mechanism for us to be able to work together."
• Saudi FM: 'It is not a secret [that] we are developing a civilian nuclear programme. Says that he would 'very much prefer to be able to have the US as one of the bidders' for the programme.
• Faisal bin Farhan: "We believe normalisation of ties with Israel would bring significant benefits to all, but without a pathway to peace for the Palestinians it will have limited benefit."
• On Syria, Blinken states that the US will not normalise relations with the country. Says the US is sceptical of President Bashar al-Assad's willingness to take necessary steps for issues to be resolved. Saudi FM says that 'Syria made very clear commitments to address concerns of the international community."