Riyadh: Arabs in talks with US for NATO-style security pact

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir arrives for a press conference at the Diriya Palace in the Saudi capital Riyadh during the Gulf Cooperation Council summit on Sunday. Photo: AFP

 

Saudi foreign minister says it will be called the Middle East Strategic Alliance

Arab countries are in talks with Washington regarding a new NATO-style security agreement to protect the Middle East from “external aggression,” Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Sunday.

“The aim is to achieve security arrangements in the Middle East that can protect the region from external aggression… and strengthen relations between the United States and the countries of the region,” Jubeir said.

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Asked about reports of talks on the creation of an Arab-American military alliance against Iran, he said: “Talks are continuing between the United States and the Gulf states around this question and ideas are being drawn up.”

He added that the alliance would include Egypt and be called the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA).

“It’s a work in progress and the two parties want to see it happen,” said Jubeir.

Full article: Riyadh: Arabs in talks with US for NATO-style security pact (Asia Times)