Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan on Friday evening, focusing on the situation in Gaza and Syria.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the US State Department stated that the discussions emphasized the future path in Gaza and ways to enhance common interests in Syria, Lebanon, and throughout the region. Particular attention was given to Red Sea security and ensuring freedom of navigation. Rubio expressed gratitude for the Saudi partnership, highlighting efforts to chart a new course for Lebanon and provide humanitarian aid to Syria and Sudan. He conveyed his eagerness to strengthen the US-Saudi partnership.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported that the talks also covered bilateral relations and strategic partnership, alongside recent developments in the region. This conversation comes about a week after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in a phone call with President Trump, expressing the Kingdom’s intent to expand its investments and trade relations with Washington by $600 billion over the next four years, with potential for further growth as opportunities arise.