Barack Obama is traveling with a 27-strong
delegation to visit the new King of Saudi Arabia today as he cut short his
remaining visit to India. And skipping a
promised visit with Michelle Obama to the Taj Mahal.
Officially, the visit is to pay respect
following the death of King Abdulla, but officials concede that its wider
purpose is to ensure that the handover of power to successor King Salman does
not affect the US interest.
“Principally, I think this is to mark this
transition in leadership and to pay respects to the family and to the people of
Saudi Arabia but I’m sure that while we’re there they’ll touch on some of the
leading issues where we cooperate very closely with Saudi Arabia,” deputy
national security adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters in Delhi.
“Clearly, that would include the continued
counter-Islamic State campaign where the Saudis have been a partner and have
joined us in military operations in Syria; of course, also the situation in
Yemen, where we have coordinated very closely with Saudi Arabia.” He stated.
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