Biden fist-bumps MbS in push to reset ties
STORY: U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hoping to tackle a host of issues from global oil production to confronting Iran - but almost immediately drew criticism for this moment: a fist-bump with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
U.S. intelligence believes the prince, also known as MbS, ordered the murder of the American-based Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. MbS denies involvement.
"With respect to the murder of Khashoggi, I raised it at the top of the meeting, making it clear what I thought of it at the time, and what I think of it now."
In a news conference, Biden said he addressed the journalist's murder with the prince:
"He basically said he was not personally responsible for it. I indicated that I thought that he was."
... and insisted he'd never remain silent on the subject of human rights.
The visit to the kingdom was always going to be a delicate one: as a presidential candidate Biden called for Saudi Arabia to be made a "pariah" on the global stage - a sentiment he said he did not regret.
"I don't regret anything that I said. What happened to Khashoggi was outrageous."
But Biden now needs Riyadh - and other key oil producers - to raise output as global fuel costs soar.
"The Saudis share that urgency. And based on our discussions today I expect we'll see further steps in coming weeks."
Jeddah hosts a larger gathering of Arab leaders on Saturday.
Biden will discuss energy security with leaders of Gulf oil producers and hopes to see more action by OPEC+ to boost output.
But U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters there were unlikely to be any bilateral announcements from the talks.
