Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Al Sabah

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al Sabah during his visit to Washington, DC.  The Secretary and the Foreign Minister highlighted the enduring nature of the U.S.-Kuwait strategic partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation across a range of shared interests.  Secretary Blinken thanked the Foreign Minister for Kuwait’s partnership and support for the safe departure of American Citizens from Sudan.  Secretary Blinken discussed the crisis in Syria, emphasized the importance of advancing a political solution consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and stressed that the United States will not normalize relations with the Assad regime until there is authentic progress toward a lasting political solution.  They discussed Iran’s recent seizures of tankers transiting international waters, and the Secretary made clear that Iran’s harassment of vessels is contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability and that the United States will continue to work with its partners and allies to promote freedom of navigation.  The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed efforts to support Ukraine in defending itself against Russia’s aggression and the need to support humanitarian priorities both in the region and globally.