Tillerson lands in Riyadh at start of Gulf, South Asia tour

Author: Agencieseditorspick

RIYADH: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Riyadh on Saturday to attend a landmark meeting between officials from Saudi Arabia and Iraq aimed at improving relations between the two countries and countering Iran’s growing regional influence.

The chief US diplomat flew into King Salman Air Base a little more than a week after US President Donald Trump unveiled a strategy to contain Iran and compel Tehran to agree to close what he charged are flaws in the multinational 2015 deal designed to prevent Iran developing nuclear weapons.

Tillerson’s only official meeting on Saturday was a working dinner with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. He was stopping in Saudi Arabia on the first leg of a six-day trip that will also take him to Qatar, Pakistan, India and Switzerland. His talks in Sunni Muslim-ruled Saudi Arabia and in Qatar were expected to be dominated by the topic of Shi’ite-dominated Iran’s growing regional influence.

Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2017.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • World

Developing nations slam ‘paltry’ $300bn climate deal at COP29

Countries at the United Nations climate conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, adopted a $300 billion…

7 hours ago
  • World

35 dead in Gaza amid intensified Israeli bombardment

Gaza's Health Ministry reported 35 Palestinians killed and 94 injured in the last 24 hours…

7 hours ago
  • World

India mosque survey sparks clashes, leaving two dead

Indian Muslim protesters clashed with police on Sunday with at least two people killed in…

7 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Indian SC weighs Yasin Malik’s trial amid security concerns

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has reportedly emphasized the importance…

7 hours ago
  • World

US SEC summons Adanis on bribery allegations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has summoned Indian billionaire Gautam Adani over allegations…

7 hours ago
  • Pakistan

CM pays tribute to flying officer Marium on death anniversary

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid glowing tribute to Marium Mukhtiar, Pakistan's first…

7 hours ago