Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman will visit Pakistan on November 21, Pakistan-based ARY News reported citing unnamed diplomatic officials.

According to reports, the visit entails Saudi investments in Pakistan, with the crown prince expected to announce&nbsp;an additional bailout package of $4.2 billion.

Riyadh had already rolled over $3 billion dollar loan that Pakistan had to pay later this year.

Last week, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia sought an additional $4.2 billion financial bailout package. He said that the kingdom had given a positive response.

The news outlet quoting sources said that the Saudi prince would also sign an agreement with Pakistan for helping in the establishment of an oil refinery in Gawadar.

On October 28, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman would soon be visiting.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Business News | Saudi wealth fund, Foxconn to produce EVs

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On Tuesday, the Pakistani premier met the crown prince on the sidelines of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

"Looking forward to the upcoming visit of the (Saudi) Crown Prince to Pakistan," Sharif had said.

He further said that the Saudi crown’s visit to Pakistan would strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two countries, said a statement issued by Sharif's office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-party-rejects-fir-registered-over-the-attempted-assassination-532085" hreflang="en">Imran Khan's party rejects FIR registered over the attempted assassination</a>

Earlier, there was uncertainty over the visit of the crown prince due to political turmoil that emanated following the assassination attempt on former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan during his rally in Waziristan, Punjab province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-security-concerns-chinese-officials-in-pakistan-to-get-bullet-proof-vehicles-says-report-531614" hreflang="en">Chinese officials in Pakistan to get bullet-proof vehicles, says report&nbsp;</a>

Apart from that, Pakistan is also facing an economic crisis as it has failed to repay loans to China. During the visit of Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif to Beijing, President Xi Jinping agreed to roll over $7.3 billion loan with a commitment to provide additional $1.5 billion in assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman will visit Pakistan on November 21, Pakistan-based ARY News reported citing unnamed diplomatic officials. According to reports, the visit entails Saudi investments in Pakistan, with the crown prince expected to announce an additional bailout package of $4.

Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman will visit Pakistan on November 21, Pakistan-based ARY News reported citing unnamed diplomatic officials. According to reports, the visit entails Saudi investments in Pakistan, with the crown prince expected to announce an additional bailout package of $4.2 billion. Riyadh had already rolled over $3 billion dollar loan that Pakistan had to pay later this year. Last week, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia sought an additional $4.2 billion financial bailout package. He said that the kingdom had given a positive response. The news outlet quoting sources said that the Saudi prince would also sign an agreement with Pakistan for helping in the establishment of an oil refinery in Gawadar. On October 28, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman would soon be visiting. Watch | WION Business News | Saudi wealth fund, Foxconn to produce EVs On Tuesday, the Pakistani premier met the crown prince on the sidelines of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. "Looking forward to the upcoming visit of the (Saudi) Crown Prince to Pakistan," Sharif had said. He further said that the Saudi crown’s visit to Pakistan would strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two countries, said a statement issued by Sharif's office. Also read | Imran Khan's party rejects FIR registered over the attempted assassination Earlier, there was uncertainty over the visit of the crown prince due to political turmoil that emanated following the assassination attempt on former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan during his rally in Waziristan, Punjab province. Also read | Chinese officials in Pakistan to get bullet-proof vehicles, says report Apart from that, Pakistan is also facing an economic crisis as it has failed to repay loans to China. During the visit of Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif to Beijing, President Xi Jinping agreed to roll over $7.3 billion loan with a commitment to provide additional $1.5 billion in assistance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to visit Pakistan on November 21: Report

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mohammad bin Salman is expected to visit India in mid-November while on his way to the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali.&nbsp;

Citing sources, several Indian news sites reported that the Saudi Crown Prince will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 14 and after that, both leaders are likely to leave for the G20 summit, which will take place on November 15–16.&nbsp;

The report comes after the Algerian presidency released a statement on Saturday, stating that the Saudi Crown Prince will not attend the Arab summit to be held on November 1 in Algeria, in compliance with a doctors' recommendation to avoid travel.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-huge-crowd-throngs-to-indias-bengaluru-airport-ahead-of-diwali-527727">Huge crowd throngs to India’s Bengaluru airport ahead of Diwali</a>&nbsp;

The statement mentioned that, in a phone call with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Saudi Crown Prince "expressed his regret for not attending the Arab summit".&nbsp;

Later, the Saudi foreign ministry released a statement about the phone call between the two leaders, but it didn't indicate that the Crown Prince would not be present for the summit.&nbsp;

The 31st summit of Arab heads of state is scheduled to take place in Algiers on November 1-2.&nbsp;

Last month, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Riyadh for bilateral talks. He had conveyed the Indian Prime Minister's invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince and also asked him to visit at an "early date".&nbsp;

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EAM S Jaishankar concluded his first official visit to Saudi Arabia 
 
He called on Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman &amp; extended an invitation to Crown Prince to visit India at the earliest. 
 
(file pic) <a href="https://t.co/HYvklXhdHm">pic.twitter.com/HYvklXhdHm</a>
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Earlier this week, Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman visited India. The visit coincided with the OPEC+ decision of cutting oil production. He had also held talks with Chinese officials online.&nbsp;

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Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mohammad bin Salman is expected to visit India in mid-November while on his way to the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mohammad bin Salman is expected to visit India in mid-November while on his way to the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali. Citing sources, several Indian news sites reported that the Saudi Crown Prince will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 14 and after that, both leaders are likely to leave for the G20 summit, which will take place on November 15–16. The report comes after the Algerian presidency released a statement on Saturday, stating that the Saudi Crown Prince will not attend the Arab summit to be held on November 1 in Algeria, in compliance with a doctors' recommendation to avoid travel. ALSO WATCH | Huge crowd throngs to India’s Bengaluru airport ahead of Diwali The statement mentioned that, in a phone call with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Saudi Crown Prince "expressed his regret for not attending the Arab summit". Later, the Saudi foreign ministry released a statement about the phone call between the two leaders, but it didn't indicate that the Crown Prince would not be present for the summit. The 31st summit of Arab heads of state is scheduled to take place in Algiers on November 1-2. Last month, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Riyadh for bilateral talks. He had conveyed the Indian Prime Minister's invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince and also asked him to visit at an "early date". EAM S Jaishankar concluded his first official visit to Saudi Arabia He called on Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman & extended an invitation to Crown Prince to visit India at the earliest. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/HYvklXhdHm — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2022 × Earlier this week, Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman visited India. The visit coincided with the OPEC+ decision of cutting oil production. He had also held talks with Chinese officials online. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi crown prince to visit Delhi next month on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invite?

United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday (October 16) that President Joe Biden has "no plans" to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a November G20 summit in Indonesia.

Sullivan told CNN that Biden "has no plans to meet with the crown prince at the G20 summit,"&nbsp;adding that the president will act "methodically" in re-evaluating the US relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has been further strained by Riyadh's support for oil production cuts.&nbsp;

"And so the President isn't going to act precipitously, he is going to act methodically, strategically and he's going to take his time to consult with members of both parties, and also to have an opportunity for Congress to return so that he can sit with them in person and work through the options," said Sullivan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-hijab-protests-iran-slams-joe-bidens-interference-during-protests-525863">Iran slams Joe Biden's 'interference' in anti-hijab protests, says US trying to inflame unrest</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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The decision to cuts angered Washington, as the Biden administration blamed OPEC+ was "aligning with Russia." The US said that the cuts would boost Moscow's revenue despite multiple economic sanctions that were imposed over its invasion of Ukraine. Biden on Tuesday even warned of unspecified "consequences".&nbsp;

Last week, OPEC+ announced a reduction in global output by up to two million barrels per day from November. The group is a Riyadh-led OPEC cartel and an additional group of 10 exporters headed by Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday (October 16) that President Joe Biden has "no plans" to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a November G20 summit in Indonesia.

United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday (October 16) that President Joe Biden has "no plans" to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a November G20 summit in Indonesia. Sullivan told CNN that Biden "has no plans to meet with the crown prince at the G20 summit," adding that the president will act "methodically" in re-evaluating the US relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has been further strained by Riyadh's support for oil production cuts. "And so the President isn't going to act precipitously, he is going to act methodically, strategically and he's going to take his time to consult with members of both parties, and also to have an opportunity for Congress to return so that he can sit with them in person and work through the options," said Sullivan. ALSO READ | Iran slams Joe Biden's 'interference' in anti-hijab protests, says US trying to inflame unrest Watch this report: × The decision to cuts angered Washington, as the Biden administration blamed OPEC+ was "aligning with Russia." The US said that the cuts would boost Moscow's revenue despite multiple economic sanctions that were imposed over its invasion of Ukraine. Biden on Tuesday even warned of unspecified "consequences". Last week, OPEC+ announced a reduction in global output by up to two million barrels per day from November. The group is a Riyadh-led OPEC cartel and an additional group of 10 exporters headed by Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US says Biden has 'no plans' to meet Saudi crown prince at G20 summit

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's lawyers asked an American judge to dismiss the case accusing him of ordering the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi crown prince has immunity in Khashoggi killing lawsuit, say lawyers

Saudi Crown Prince MBS has strengthened his grip on power. He was already the heir to the throne, now he's also been named Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister. How does this tilt the balance of power in his favour? Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Saudi Crown Prince strengthens his grip on power

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, power centre in the country's politics, has been named the prime minister. The passing on of the prime ministerial post is significant as it's traditionally held by the king. The government shuffle took place on Tuesday night (September 27) by decree.

Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS as he is often called in media, has been Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler for several years. The heir apparent to the desert kingdom has previously served as deputy prime minister under King Salman as well as defence minister.

He is being replaced as defence minister by his younger brother, Khalid bin Salman, who was previously deputy defence minister.

According to the royal decree from King Salman published by the official Saudi Press Agency, the heads of other critical &nbsp;ministries including interior, foreign and energy, remained in place

Prince Mohammed bin Salman turned 37 last month. Since 2017, he has been first in line to succeed his father as king.

He became defence minister in 2015, a key step in a swift consolidation of power that saw him take the lead on major portfolios.

Saudi Arabia has for years sought to quell speculation over the health of 86-year-old King Salman, who has ruled the world's top oil exporter since 2015.

In 2017, it dismissed reports and mounting speculation that the king was planning to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed.

King Salman has been hospitalised twice so far this year, most recently a one-week stay in May that involved tests including a colonoscopy, according to state media reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, power centre in the country's politics, has been named the prime minister. The passing on of the prime ministerial post is significant as it's traditionally held by the king.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, power centre in the country's politics, has been named the prime minister. The passing on of the prime ministerial post is significant as it's traditionally held by the king. The government shuffle took place on Tuesday night (September 27) by decree. Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS as he is often called in media, has been Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler for several years. The heir apparent to the desert kingdom has previously served as deputy prime minister under King Salman as well as defence minister. He is being replaced as defence minister by his younger brother, Khalid bin Salman, who was previously deputy defence minister. According to the royal decree from King Salman published by the official Saudi Press Agency, the heads of other critical ministries including interior, foreign and energy, remained in place Prince Mohammed bin Salman turned 37 last month. Since 2017, he has been first in line to succeed his father as king. He became defence minister in 2015, a key step in a swift consolidation of power that saw him take the lead on major portfolios. Saudi Arabia has for years sought to quell speculation over the health of 86-year-old King Salman, who has ruled the world's top oil exporter since 2015. In 2017, it dismissed reports and mounting speculation that the king was planning to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed. King Salman has been hospitalised twice so far this year, most recently a one-week stay in May that involved tests including a colonoscopy, according to state media reports. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman named prime minister

Mohammed bin Salman named Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince MBS consolidates power. Saudi Arabia sees a cabinet reshuffle. Molly Gambhir tells you about the latest developments!

WION Fineprint: Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman becomes Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron warmly welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for talks in Paris. This is MBS's first visit to Europe since the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

French President Macron warmly welcomed Saudi Crown Prince MBS for talks in Paris

Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman is on his first visit to Europe since the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. After Greece, MBS visited France where he was hosted by president Emmanuel Macron.

Saudi Crown Prince meets President Emmanuel Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on his first European tour since the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. The West, that had come together to criticise MBS in 2018, is now courting him. Why? Because Europe and the U.S. need oil. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Europe

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to visit Pakistan which he accepted. Pak PM extended the invitation during a telephonic call with Saudi Crown Prince.

Saudi Crown Prince accepted PM Shehbaz Sharif's invitation to visit Pakistan

US President Joe Biden lands in Jeddah where he will hold meetings with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Biden is expected to urge the Saudi government to ramp up oil production in a bid to rein in soaring costs.

Breaking News: President Joe Biden arrives in lands in Jeddah to reset US-Saudi Arabia ties

United States President Joe Biden reportedly raised the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that&nbsp;the latter is to be blamed for the murder of the Washington Post journalist, according to media reports.&nbsp;

After meeting Prince Mohammed on Friday (July 15), Biden said: "What happened to Khashoggi was outrageous... I just made it clear if anything occurs like that again they will get that response and much more."&nbsp;

"I was straightforward and direct in discussing it. I made my view crystal clear. I said very straightforwardly, for an American president to be silent on an issue of human rights is inconsistent with who we are and who I am," he added.&nbsp;

However, he later clarified while responding to media, saying that the Saudi leader told him he was not "personally responsible" for Khashoggi's murder.

"I indicated I thought he was...He said he was not personally responsible for it, and he took action against those who were responsible," Biden said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-gives-fist-bump-to-saudi-crown-prince-as-he-begin-crucial-meeting-497781">US President Biden gives fist bump to Saudi crown prince as he begin crucial meeting</a>

US intelligence officials believe that Prince Mohammed ordered the operation that led to Washington Post journalist Khashoggi's death.&nbsp;

While mentioning the response of the Crown Prince, Biden said, "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it. I indicated that I thought he was."&nbsp;

Three years ago, Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a pariah state over the assassination of Khashoggi and alleged human rights abuses. Now, Biden landed in the same country with oil, human rights, Iran and Israel on his agenda.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-70-of-russian-missile-strikes-target-civilian-objects-ukraine-claims-497801">Around 70% of Russian missile strikes deliberately targetted civilian objects, Ukraine claims</a>

Footage by the state television Al-Ekhbariya showed Biden was greeted by Prince Mohammed with a fist bump. The US President was then escorted into Al-Salam palace.&nbsp;

During the meeting, they discussed energy among other topics. He said that he expected to see "further steps" from Saudi on energy in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Khashoggi's fiancee said that Biden had enabled Saudi Arabia's crown prince to take more victims after the meeting. Hatice Cengiz wrote to Biden: "Is this the accountability you promised for my murder? The blood of MBS's next victim is on your hands."&nbsp;

The post was in the form of what she imagined as a tweet by Khashoggi.&nbsp;

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United States President Joe Biden reportedly raised the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that the latter is to be blamed for the murder of the Washington Post journalist, according to media reports.

United States President Joe Biden reportedly raised the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that the latter is to be blamed for the murder of the Washington Post journalist, according to media reports. After meeting Prince Mohammed on Friday (July 15), Biden said: "What happened to Khashoggi was outrageous... I just made it clear if anything occurs like that again they will get that response and much more." "I was straightforward and direct in discussing it. I made my view crystal clear. I said very straightforwardly, for an American president to be silent on an issue of human rights is inconsistent with who we are and who I am," he added. However, he later clarified while responding to media, saying that the Saudi leader told him he was not "personally responsible" for Khashoggi's murder. "I indicated I thought he was...He said he was not personally responsible for it, and he took action against those who were responsible," Biden said. ALSO READ | US President Biden gives fist bump to Saudi crown prince as he begin crucial meeting US intelligence officials believe that Prince Mohammed ordered the operation that led to Washington Post journalist Khashoggi's death. While mentioning the response of the Crown Prince, Biden said, "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it. I indicated that I thought he was." Three years ago, Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a pariah state over the assassination of Khashoggi and alleged human rights abuses. Now, Biden landed in the same country with oil, human rights, Iran and Israel on his agenda. ALSO READ | Around 70% of Russian missile strikes deliberately targetted civilian objects, Ukraine claims Footage by the state television Al-Ekhbariya showed Biden was greeted by Prince Mohammed with a fist bump. The US President was then escorted into Al-Salam palace. During the meeting, they discussed energy among other topics. He said that he expected to see "further steps" from Saudi on energy in the coming weeks. Khashoggi's fiancee said that Biden had enabled Saudi Arabia's crown prince to take more victims after the meeting. Hatice Cengiz wrote to Biden: "Is this the accountability you promised for my murder? The blood of MBS's next victim is on your hands." The post was in the form of what she imagined as a tweet by Khashoggi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden tells Saudi Crown Prince he is responsible for Khashoggi's Murder: Report

As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Joe Biden greeted one another at a royal palace on Friday, a key meeting to mend one of the most significant diplomatic ties in the world got underway with a fist bump. As Biden exited his presidential limousine in Jeddah for a visit aimed at resetting their nations' long-standing partnership, the initial meeting was seen by Saudi television.

There was no sign of affection amongst the leaders, and neither Biden nor the crown prince gave greetings to other leaders with their customary backslapping or smiles.

The presumed heir to the kingdom currently held by Prince Mohammed's father, King Salman, Biden has long refused to interact with him.And he sharply denounced the oil-rich monarchy for its violations of human rights, including the killing of writer Jamal Khashoggi, who was living in the United States.

But other issues, such as soaring gas costs and Iranian aggression in the Middle East, have since supplanted those worries. Saudi Arabia is simultaneously pursuing investments to diversify its economy away from oil production and strengthen its security partnership with the United States.

At the airport in Jeddah, the Saudis gave Biden a muted welcome without any of the pomp and circumstance that surrounded his stop this week in Israel.

Watch: Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia

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Biden was welcomed by Prince Khalid bin Faisal, the governor of Mecca, and Princess Reema bint Bandar, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States. He then proceeded to walk down a purple carpet to the limousine that would take him to the palace.

King Salman, an 86-year-old monarch in ill health who has spent time in hospitals twice this year, sat down with the president. The Saudis published a video showing Biden shaking hands with the monarch as the crown prince watched, despite the fact that journalists were not permitted in the room.

Following that, Biden and Prince Mohammed had a larger gathering with a number of advisors. The two men were seated across from one another, which enhanced the idea that they were opposites. The crown prince, whose initials are MBS, has been anxious to promote this image as he solidifies his succession after excluding, detaining, and confiscating the assets of royal rivals and detractors.

His ascent to power has so far ushered in a new age for the kingdom as it strives to develop its own military and arms industry, wean itself off of its reliance on oil as a source of income, and forge security ties to guard against Iran.

The relationship between the 79-year-old US president and the 36-year-old Saudi prince may now determine the future of the region, including the potential for deeper ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel as well as the ups and downs in the world's oil supply.

There had been a lot of conjecture about how Biden, who had pledged as a presidential candidate to treat the Saudis as "pariahs" for their human rights record, would approach his interaction with Prince Mohammed, both in terms of the staging and the content. 
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As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Joe Biden greeted one another at a royal palace on Friday, a key meeting to mend one of the most significant diplomatic ties in the world got underway with a fist bump.

As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Joe Biden greeted one another at a royal palace on Friday, a key meeting to mend one of the most significant diplomatic ties in the world got underway with a fist bump. As Biden exited his presidential limousine in Jeddah for a visit aimed at resetting their nations' long-standing partnership, the initial meeting was seen by Saudi television. There was no sign of affection amongst the leaders, and neither Biden nor the crown prince gave greetings to other leaders with their customary backslapping or smiles. The presumed heir to the kingdom currently held by Prince Mohammed's father, King Salman, Biden has long refused to interact with him.And he sharply denounced the oil-rich monarchy for its violations of human rights, including the killing of writer Jamal Khashoggi, who was living in the United States. But other issues, such as soaring gas costs and Iranian aggression in the Middle East, have since supplanted those worries. Saudi Arabia is simultaneously pursuing investments to diversify its economy away from oil production and strengthen its security partnership with the United States. At the airport in Jeddah, the Saudis gave Biden a muted welcome without any of the pomp and circumstance that surrounded his stop this week in Israel. Watch: Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia Biden was welcomed by Prince Khalid bin Faisal, the governor of Mecca, and Princess Reema bint Bandar, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States. He then proceeded to walk down a purple carpet to the limousine that would take him to the palace. King Salman, an 86-year-old monarch in ill health who has spent time in hospitals twice this year, sat down with the president. The Saudis published a video showing Biden shaking hands with the monarch as the crown prince watched, despite the fact that journalists were not permitted in the room. Following that, Biden and Prince Mohammed had a larger gathering with a number of advisors. The two men were seated across from one another, which enhanced the idea that they were opposites. The crown prince, whose initials are MBS, has been anxious to promote this image as he solidifies his succession after excluding, detaining, and confiscating the assets of royal rivals and detractors. His ascent to power has so far ushered in a new age for the kingdom as it strives to develop its own military and arms industry, wean itself off of its reliance on oil as a source of income, and forge security ties to guard against Iran. The relationship between the 79-year-old US president and the 36-year-old Saudi prince may now determine the future of the region, including the potential for deeper ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel as well as the ups and downs in the world's oil supply. There had been a lot of conjecture about how Biden, who had pledged as a presidential candidate to treat the Saudis as "pariahs" for their human rights record, would approach his interaction with Prince Mohammed, both in terms of the staging and the content. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden gives fist bump to Saudi crown prince as he begin crucial meeting

US President Joe Biden heads to Saudi Arabia where he will discuss energy supply, human rights, and security cooperation. Biden will also hold meetings with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

US President Joe Biden heads to Saudi Arabia to meet King and Crown Prince

US President Joe Biden heads to Saudi Arabia where he will hold meetings with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Biden's West Asia Tour: US President Joe Biden to land in Jeddah

US President Joe Biden is travelling to Saudi Arabia as part of his first Middle East trip as the head of state. He has a set of objectives, including securing the supply of oil, improving relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, pushing a ceasefire in Yemen, and forging a more united front in the region against Iran. It's a contentious move for this president, though, and nobody really knows how much he'll accomplish. 
 
The planned visit has drawn a lot of criticism from both the right and left for what some are calling a "embarrassing" climbdown and for showing a blatant turnaround from the strong words Biden had utilised during his campaign and in the first few months of his presidency.

Before departing for a contentious summit in Saudi Arabia, US President Joe Biden will meet with Palestinian leaders in the occupied West Bank on Friday.Analysts predict that his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be difficult because of the low point in their relationship caused by the Trump administration. Later, Biden will visit Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto ruler.

Both the prince and his father, King Salman, will be introduced to Biden.Biden had vowed to declare Saudi Arabia a "pariah" for the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives in Turkey in 2018, two years prior. Despite the prince's denials, US intelligence believed that he had given his approval.

On Thursday night, the White House announced that Saudi Arabia would allow all civilian aircraft, including those travelling to and from Israel, access to its airspace. The outcome, which was anticipated, is an indication of improving ties between the two nations.The greatest oil producer in the world, Saudi Arabia, is attempting to mend fences after a surge in oil costs brought on by Russia's conflict in Ukraine. 
 
Watch: Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia

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US pressure on Saudi leaders to agree to boost production is anticipated. The US applauded Saudi Arabia's announcement late on Thursday that it would permit commercial flights from Israel to use its airspace.The outcome, which was anticipated, is an indication of improving ties between the two nations. White House representatives have declined to specify whether Biden will bring up the killing of Mr. Khashoggi, a US-based Washington Post contributor.

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US President Joe Biden is travelling to Saudi Arabia as part of his first Middle East trip as the head of state. He has a set of objectives, including securing the supply of oil, improving relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, pushing a ceasefire in Yemen, and forging a more united front in the region against Iran.

US President Joe Biden is travelling to Saudi Arabia as part of his first Middle East trip as the head of state. He has a set of objectives, including securing the supply of oil, improving relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, pushing a ceasefire in Yemen, and forging a more united front in the region against Iran. It's a contentious move for this president, though, and nobody really knows how much he'll accomplish. The planned visit has drawn a lot of criticism from both the right and left for what some are calling a "embarrassing" climbdown and for showing a blatant turnaround from the strong words Biden had utilised during his campaign and in the first few months of his presidency. Before departing for a contentious summit in Saudi Arabia, US President Joe Biden will meet with Palestinian leaders in the occupied West Bank on Friday.Analysts predict that his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be difficult because of the low point in their relationship caused by the Trump administration. Later, Biden will visit Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto ruler. Both the prince and his father, King Salman, will be introduced to Biden.Biden had vowed to declare Saudi Arabia a "pariah" for the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives in Turkey in 2018, two years prior. Despite the prince's denials, US intelligence believed that he had given his approval. On Thursday night, the White House announced that Saudi Arabia would allow all civilian aircraft, including those travelling to and from Israel, access to its airspace. The outcome, which was anticipated, is an indication of improving ties between the two nations.The greatest oil producer in the world, Saudi Arabia, is attempting to mend fences after a surge in oil costs brought on by Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Watch: Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia The US president and his team will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MbS, and Saudi ministers at the palace after Biden and King Salman bin Abdulaziz hold a bilateral discussion there, according to the White House. × US pressure on Saudi leaders to agree to boost production is anticipated. The US applauded Saudi Arabia's announcement late on Thursday that it would permit commercial flights from Israel to use its airspace.The outcome, which was anticipated, is an indication of improving ties between the two nations. White House representatives have declined to specify whether Biden will bring up the killing of Mr. Khashoggi, a US-based Washington Post contributor. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid criticism and tensions over oil, Biden to meet with the Saudi Crown Prince

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS) is back to business as usual. He is visiting the neighbors cementing ties, signing new deals with the leaders and enjoying a new title preferred partner all thanks to war oil and allies.

Saudi Crown Prince & Erdogan hold one-to-one talks

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at fully normalising ties that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The visit marks a step in Prince Mohammed's effort to rehabilitee his image beyond the Gulf and comes as Erdogan seeks financial support that could help relieve Turkey's beleaguered economy ahead of tight elections for the president.

In April, Erdogan held one-on-one talks with Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia after a months-long drive to mend relations between the regional powers, including dropping the Turkish trial over Khashoggi's 2018 murder in Istanbul.

Erdogan said last week he and Riyadh's de facto leader would discuss "to what much higher level" they can take ties during talks in Ankara. read more

The visit is expected to bring "a full normalisation and a restoration of the pre-crisis period," a senior Turkish official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "A new era will begin."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-warns-against-expanding-military-alliances-490658" hreflang="en">'Ukraine crisis is wakeup call': Jinping warns against expanding military ties</a>

Erdogan was scheduled to welcome the crown prince at the presidential palace for talks in the afternoon. No public statements are scheduled.

The Turkish official said the two countries had lifted restrictions on trade, flights and the screening of TV series, with mutual negative media coverage also halted.

Agreements on energy, economy and security would be signed during the visit, while a plan was also in the works for Saudi funds to enter capital markets in Turkey, the official said.

However, he said negotiations on a possible currency swap line - which could help restore Turkey's diminished foreign reserves - were not moving "as fast as desired" and will be discussed privately between Erdogan and Prince Mohammed.

Prince Mohammed is on his first tour outside the Gulf region in over three years including a visit to Jordan. read more

Ties between Ankara and Riyadh took a turn for the worse after a Saudi hit squad killed and dismembered Khashoggi in 2018 at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Erdogan at the time blamed it on the "highest levels" of the Saudi government.

The visit, including the welcoming ceremony at the palace, marks a turnaround in their relations. Ankara stopped all criticism and halted its murder trial in April, transferring the case to Riyadh in a move condemned by human rights groups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-ask-us-congress-to-stop-gas-tax-for-three-months-as-fuel-prices-rise-490645">Biden to ask US Congress to stop gas tax for three months as fuel prices rise</a>

Prince Mohammed has been leveraging Saudi Arabia's vast wealth and oil production capacity to lure in Western leaders and private business partners, hoping shifting geopolitics and a focus on social and economic reforms would soften criticism of his human rights record.

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to visit Saudi Arabia in July as Washington struggles with record high gasoline prices and building a united front against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

The visit also comes as Turkey's economy is badly strained by a slumping lira and inflation soaring beyond 70%. Saudi funds and foreign currency could help Erdogan shore up support ahead of elections by June 2023, analysts say.

The Turkish official said Saudi Arabia may be interested in companies within the Turkish Wealth Fund or elsewhere, or in making investments similar to those by the United Arab Emirates in recent months.

The leaders will also discuss the possible sale of Turkish armed drones to Riyadh, the person added.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said on Tuesday that Erdogan "will embrace the man who ordered the killing" of Khashoggi.

Prince Mohammed denies any involvement in the murder.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at fully normalising ties that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at fully normalising ties that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The visit marks a step in Prince Mohammed's effort to rehabilitee his image beyond the Gulf and comes as Erdogan seeks financial support that could help relieve Turkey's beleaguered economy ahead of tight elections for the president. In April, Erdogan held one-on-one talks with Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia after a months-long drive to mend relations between the regional powers, including dropping the Turkish trial over Khashoggi's 2018 murder in Istanbul. Erdogan said last week he and Riyadh's de facto leader would discuss "to what much higher level" they can take ties during talks in Ankara. read more The visit is expected to bring "a full normalisation and a restoration of the pre-crisis period," a senior Turkish official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "A new era will begin." Also read | 'Ukraine crisis is wakeup call': Jinping warns against expanding military ties Erdogan was scheduled to welcome the crown prince at the presidential palace for talks in the afternoon. No public statements are scheduled. The Turkish official said the two countries had lifted restrictions on trade, flights and the screening of TV series, with mutual negative media coverage also halted. Agreements on energy, economy and security would be signed during the visit, while a plan was also in the works for Saudi funds to enter capital markets in Turkey, the official said. However, he said negotiations on a possible currency swap line - which could help restore Turkey's diminished foreign reserves - were not moving "as fast as desired" and will be discussed privately between Erdogan and Prince Mohammed. Prince Mohammed is on his first tour outside the Gulf region in over three years including a visit to Jordan. read more Ties between Ankara and Riyadh took a turn for the worse after a Saudi hit squad killed and dismembered Khashoggi in 2018 at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Erdogan at the time blamed it on the "highest levels" of the Saudi government. The visit, including the welcoming ceremony at the palace, marks a turnaround in their relations. Ankara stopped all criticism and halted its murder trial in April, transferring the case to Riyadh in a move condemned by human rights groups. Also read | Biden to ask US Congress to stop gas tax for three months as fuel prices rise Prince Mohammed has been leveraging Saudi Arabia's vast wealth and oil production capacity to lure in Western leaders and private business partners, hoping shifting geopolitics and a focus on social and economic reforms would soften criticism of his human rights record. U.S. President Joe Biden is set to visit Saudi Arabia in July as Washington struggles with record high gasoline prices and building a united front against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. The visit also comes as Turkey's economy is badly strained by a slumping lira and inflation soaring beyond 70%. Saudi funds and foreign currency could help Erdogan shore up support ahead of elections by June 2023, analysts say. The Turkish official said Saudi Arabia may be interested in companies within the Turkish Wealth Fund or elsewhere, or in making investments similar to those by the United Arab Emirates in recent months. The leaders will also discuss the possible sale of Turkish armed drones to Riyadh, the person added. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said on Tuesday that Erdogan "will embrace the man who ordered the killing" of Khashoggi. Prince Mohammed denies any involvement in the murder. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi crown prince, Erdogan to meet in Turkiye with 'full normalisation' in sights

Amid soaring gas prices, US President Joe Biden will reportedly pay a visit to the Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was once shunned by the president as a killer.

According to AP news agency, the White House is working out a plan to have a one-on-one meeting between Biden and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.

However, no official trips have been made about the trip.

The trip is being tentatively planned after a G7 summit in Germany and a NATO meeting in Spain and would also include a visit to Israel, in which Biden would meet Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Reuters reported quoting official sources.

The US leader had blamed Prince Mohammed for the 2018 killing and dismemberment of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a newspaper critic of the crown prince.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday declined to comment on whether Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia. She said that she had no trips to preview and that Biden stood by his earlier opinions of the crown prince.

Watch |&nbsp;The U.S, allies discuss further oil release due to the rise in gas prices worldwide

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The proposed visit comes at a time when Biden is trying to find ways to lower high gasoline prices in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-north-korea-after-china-russia-veto-un-resolution-482804" hreflang="en">US imposes sanctions on North Korea after China, Russia veto UN resolution</a>

It is currently unknown if Saudi Arabia would agree to increase oil production. It has previously rejected US requests to do so, remaining in compliance with an output agreement that OPEC reached with Russia and nine other producers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gun-terror-why-is-owning-guns-so-important-to-americans-482074" hreflang="en">US gun terror: Why is owning guns so important to Americans?</a>

The so-called OPEC+ group has been unwinding record output cuts in place since 2020, as demand recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, but not as fast as the West and other consumers want.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid soaring gas prices, US President Joe Biden will reportedly pay a visit to the Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was once shunned by the president as a killer.

Amid soaring gas prices, US President Joe Biden will reportedly pay a visit to the Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was once shunned by the president as a killer. According to AP news agency, the White House is working out a plan to have a one-on-one meeting between Biden and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Egypt, Iraq and Jordan. However, no official trips have been made about the trip. The trip is being tentatively planned after a G7 summit in Germany and a NATO meeting in Spain and would also include a visit to Israel, in which Biden would meet Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Reuters reported quoting official sources. The US leader had blamed Prince Mohammed for the 2018 killing and dismemberment of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a newspaper critic of the crown prince. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday declined to comment on whether Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia. She said that she had no trips to preview and that Biden stood by his earlier opinions of the crown prince. Watch | The U.S, allies discuss further oil release due to the rise in gas prices worldwide The proposed visit comes at a time when Biden is trying to find ways to lower high gasoline prices in the United States. Also read | US imposes sanctions on North Korea after China, Russia veto UN resolution It is currently unknown if Saudi Arabia would agree to increase oil production. It has previously rejected US requests to do so, remaining in compliance with an output agreement that OPEC reached with Russia and nine other producers. Also read | US gun terror: Why is owning guns so important to Americans? The so-called OPEC+ group has been unwinding record output cuts in place since 2020, as demand recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, but not as fast as the West and other consumers want. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Joe Biden planning to visit Gulf countries amid soaring gas prices: Report

The symbolic green national flag of Saudi Arabia which depicts a sword and is inscribed with Islam’s creed as the birthplace of the faith is expected to undergo minor changes.

According to state media reports, the kingdom’s un-elected consultative Shura Council on Monday voted in favour of changes to the flag, emblem as well as national anthem,&nbsp;but not to their contents.

While decisions by the council are merely advisory in nature, the vote is touted to be significant because its members are appointed by the king and their decisions often move in tandem with the leadership.

Local media outlets also reported the proposed changes&nbsp;seeks to enhance the level of awareness and knowledge about the importance of the state flag, emblem and national anthem as well as to achieve more protection for the state flag from infringement or neglect.

The amendment envisages protection of the state emblem by taking regular measures to hold the person accountable for the infringement or neglect and take punitive measures against him, Saudi Gazette newspaper reported. 
 
It is being said that the proposed changes are more in line with the vision of the country’s young crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud who emphasises Saudi nationality and national pride.

The latest changes come nearly a week after the arrest of four Bangladeshi men in Saudi for violating the national flag. It was claimed that the worker dumped the flag in the garbage.

Since 1973, the green Saudi flag has featured the Islamic proclamation of faith in white Arabic calligraphy that states: “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Under those words is a sword.

The kingdom hosts Muslim pilgrims from around the world&nbsp;in the birthplace of Islam in Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad was born and received the first commandments of the Quran.

(With inputs from agencies)

The symbolic green national flag of Saudi Arabia which depicts a sword and is inscribed with Islam’s creed as the birthplace of the faith is expected to undergo minor changes.

The symbolic green national flag of Saudi Arabia which depicts a sword and is inscribed with Islam’s creed as the birthplace of the faith is expected to undergo minor changes. According to state media reports, the kingdom’s un-elected consultative Shura Council on Monday voted in favour of changes to the flag, emblem as well as national anthem, but not to their contents. While decisions by the council are merely advisory in nature, the vote is touted to be significant because its members are appointed by the king and their decisions often move in tandem with the leadership. Local media outlets also reported the proposed changes seeks to enhance the level of awareness and knowledge about the importance of the state flag, emblem and national anthem as well as to achieve more protection for the state flag from infringement or neglect. The amendment envisages protection of the state emblem by taking regular measures to hold the person accountable for the infringement or neglect and take punitive measures against him, Saudi Gazette newspaper reported. It is being said that the proposed changes are more in line with the vision of the country’s young crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud who emphasises Saudi nationality and national pride. The latest changes come nearly a week after the arrest of four Bangladeshi men in Saudi for violating the national flag. It was claimed that the worker dumped the flag in the garbage. Since 1973, the green Saudi flag has featured the Islamic proclamation of faith in white Arabic calligraphy that states: “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Under those words is a sword. The kingdom hosts Muslim pilgrims from around the world in the birthplace of Islam in Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad was born and received the first commandments of the Quran. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Shura Council proposes amendments to national flag law

From greeting foreign leaders to heading regional summits, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is taking over the reins from his elderly father and becoming Saudi Arabia's uncrowned king.On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what this means for the region.

The West Asia Post| Crown prince MBS holds the reins of power

President Joe Biden on Saturday (February 27) said his administration would make an announcement on Saudi Arabia on Monday, following a U.S. intelligence report that found Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had approved the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Biden says announcement on Saudi Arabia will be released on Monday

The United States on Friday unveiled the intelligence report which blamed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for approving the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

The Saudi prince "approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi," the intelligence report said.&nbsp;

The report said it's "highly unlikely" that the murder of the journalist at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul could have taken place without Prince Mohammed's approval.&nbsp;

It also goes on to say that the killing is in line with the pattern of "the crown prince's support for using violent measures to silence dissidents abroad."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-declassify-report-on-assassination-of-jamal-khashoggi-357888">Biden to declassify report on assassination of Jamal Khashoggi</a>

Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi administration who wrote for The Washington Post, was killed in October 2018 with his body cut into pieces

The Treasury Department said it was freezing assets and criminalizing transactions with a former intelligence official along with that of Rapid Intervention Force.

The report said the Rapid Intervention Force, an elite unit, "exists to defend the crown prince" and "answers only to him."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the "Khashoggi Act" which will bar entry of foreigners in the United States who threaten or harass dissidents or reporters and their families.&nbsp;

As many as 76 Saudi nationals were also blacklisted.&nbsp;

"We have made absolutely clear that extraterritorial threats and assaults by Saudi Arabia against activists, dissidents and journalists must end. They will not be tolerated by the United States," the secretary of state said in a statement.

<h2>Saudi Arabia rejects findings</h2>

Calling it "negative, false and unacceptable," Saudi Arabia rejected the intelligence report on the crown prince&nbsp;

"The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completely rejects the .... assessment in the report pertaining to the Kingdom's leadership, and notes that the report contained inaccurate information and conclusions," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement as quoted by state news agency SPA.

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday unveiled the intelligence report which blamed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for approving the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The United States on Friday unveiled the intelligence report which blamed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for approving the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Saudi prince "approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi," the intelligence report said. The report said it's "highly unlikely" that the murder of the journalist at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul could have taken place without Prince Mohammed's approval. It also goes on to say that the killing is in line with the pattern of "the crown prince's support for using violent measures to silence dissidents abroad." Also read | Biden to declassify report on assassination of Jamal Khashoggi Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi administration who wrote for The Washington Post, was killed in October 2018 with his body cut into pieces The Treasury Department said it was freezing assets and criminalizing transactions with a former intelligence official along with that of Rapid Intervention Force. The report said the Rapid Intervention Force, an elite unit, "exists to defend the crown prince" and "answers only to him." Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the "Khashoggi Act" which will bar entry of foreigners in the United States who threaten or harass dissidents or reporters and their families. As many as 76 Saudi nationals were also blacklisted. "We have made absolutely clear that extraterritorial threats and assaults by Saudi Arabia against activists, dissidents and journalists must end. They will not be tolerated by the United States," the secretary of state said in a statement. Saudi Arabia rejects findings Calling it "negative, false and unacceptable," Saudi Arabia rejected the intelligence report on the crown prince "The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completely rejects the .... assessment in the report pertaining to the Kingdom's leadership, and notes that the report contained inaccurate information and conclusions," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement as quoted by state news agency SPA.

US report says Saudi Prince approved murder of journalist Khashoggi

Saudi Arabia's&nbsp;Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday warned an&nbsp;"iron fist" response to extremists&nbsp;threatening its security.

Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler, warned those seeking to carry out jihadist acts of a "painful and severe punishment".

It comes after the&nbsp;Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb blast that struck a World War I commemoration at a non-Muslim cemetery in Jeddah on Wednesday, just two weeks after a guard at the French consulate in the Red Sea city was wounded by a knife-wielding Saudi citizen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-group-claims-responsibility-for-saudi-cemetery-attack-342740" hreflang="en">Islamic State group claims responsibility for Saudi cemetery attack</a>

The attacks, which underscore Muslim fury over French satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, come as Saudi Arabia prepares for the G20 leaders' summit later this month,&nbsp;the first to be hosted by an Arab nation.

Wednesday's attack occurred two weeks after a Saudi man wounded a security guard at the French consulate in Jeddah with what has been described as a "sharp tool" and after recent Islamist militant attacks in France and Austria.

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Prince Mohammed said Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, is committed to confronting extremism and rejects and condemns all terrorist acts.

He said actual terror attacks in the kingdom, the world's top oil exporter and a key US&nbsp;ally, had "fallen to near-zero" following a restructuring of the interior ministry and reforming of the security sector that began in mid-2017.

Prince Mohammed, who pledged in 2017 to return Saudi Arabia to an "open, moderate Islam", has sought&nbsp;to roll back the influence of the ultra-conservative religious establishment.

The prince also said the kingdom would continue to combat corruption after the state recovered 247 billion riyals ($65.86 billion) in settlements in addition to assets worth tens of billions of riyals in the past three years.

The heir to the Saudi throne has curbed the influence of the once-powerful religious police, as he permits mixed-gender music concerts, cinemas, and other entertainment options that appeal to a majority young population.

But simultaneously, the prince has launched a sweeping crackdown on dissent and free speech, arresting women activists, clerics, and journalists as well as royal family members.

In January 2019 Saudi Arabia ended a sweeping anti-corruption campaign in which many members of the kingdom's economic and political elite were detained.

Critics saw the crackdown as a power grab by the crown prince, who has moved to sideline any rivals to his eventual succession to the throne. Prince Mohammed has defended the campaign as "shock therapy" as he tries to overhaul the economy.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday warned an "iron fist" response to extremists threatening its security. Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler, warned those seeking to carry out jihadist acts of a "painful and severe punishment".

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday warned an "iron fist" response to extremists threatening its security. Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler, warned those seeking to carry out jihadist acts of a "painful and severe punishment". It comes after the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb blast that struck a World War I commemoration at a non-Muslim cemetery in Jeddah on Wednesday, just two weeks after a guard at the French consulate in the Red Sea city was wounded by a knife-wielding Saudi citizen. Also read: Islamic State group claims responsibility for Saudi cemetery attack The attacks, which underscore Muslim fury over French satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, come as Saudi Arabia prepares for the G20 leaders' summit later this month, the first to be hosted by an Arab nation. Wednesday's attack occurred two weeks after a Saudi man wounded a security guard at the French consulate in Jeddah with what has been described as a "sharp tool" and after recent Islamist militant attacks in France and Austria. × Prince Mohammed said Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, is committed to confronting extremism and rejects and condemns all terrorist acts. He said actual terror attacks in the kingdom, the world's top oil exporter and a key US ally, had "fallen to near-zero" following a restructuring of the interior ministry and reforming of the security sector that began in mid-2017. Prince Mohammed, who pledged in 2017 to return Saudi Arabia to an "open, moderate Islam", has sought to roll back the influence of the ultra-conservative religious establishment. The prince also said the kingdom would continue to combat corruption after the state recovered 247 billion riyals ($65.86 billion) in settlements in addition to assets worth tens of billions of riyals in the past three years. The heir to the Saudi throne has curbed the influence of the once-powerful religious police, as he permits mixed-gender music concerts, cinemas, and other entertainment options that appeal to a majority young population. But simultaneously, the prince has launched a sweeping crackdown on dissent and free speech, arresting women activists, clerics, and journalists as well as royal family members. In January 2019 Saudi Arabia ended a sweeping anti-corruption campaign in which many members of the kingdom's economic and political elite were detained. Critics saw the crackdown as a power grab by the crown prince, who has moved to sideline any rivals to his eventual succession to the throne. Prince Mohammed has defended the campaign as "shock therapy" as he tries to overhaul the economy.

Saudi Arabia warns 'iron fist' response to extremists threatening its security

The fiancee of journalist Jamal&nbsp;Khashoggi&nbsp;sued Saudi Arabia's crown prince and other officials Tuesday in a US court, seeking damages for his brutal murder in Istanbul two years ago.

Turkish citizen Hatice Cengiz and the human rights group&nbsp;Khashoggi&nbsp;formed before his death, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), is pursuing Mohammed bin Salman and 28 others for damages over the October 2, 2018 killing of the US-based writer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jamal-khashoggis-fiancee-pleads-premier-league-to-block-saudi-takeover-295194">Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee pleads Premier League to block Saudi takeover</a>

The civil lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also named more than 20 other Saudis as defendants. It coincides with complications in the US-Saudi relationship over the 2018 slaying of&nbsp;Khashoggi, Riyadh’s human rights record, its role in Yemen’s civil war, and other issues.

The Saudi embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. The crown prince, known by his initials 'MbS'&nbsp;has denied ordering&nbsp;Khashoggi's murder.

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Khashoggi, who criticised the policies of the crown prince, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, in his columns, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He went there to obtain papers he needed to marry Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish citizen.

Cengiz and Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), a US-based human rights group founded by&nbsp;Khashoggi, a legal resident of Virginia, filed the lawsuit in US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Columbia. It names several of the crown prince's aides and officials who were convicted in Saudi Arabia of the murder. The prosecution declared the Saudi case closed.

The lawsuit charged that MbS, his co-defendants and others carried out a plot to "permanently silence Mr.&nbsp;Khashoggi" no later than the summer of 2018 after discovering his "plans to utilize DAWN as a platform to espouse democratic reform and promote human rights."

A lawsuit was filed in August in a US&nbsp;court by a former top Saudi intelligence official who accused the crown prince of sending a hit team to kill him in Canada, where he lives in exile.

Both lawsuits were brought under a law allowing U.S. court actions against foreign officials over allegations of involvement in torture or extrajudicial killings.

The fiancee of journalist Jamal Khashoggi sued Saudi Arabia's crown prince and other officials Tuesday in a US court, seeking damages for his brutal murder in Istanbul two years ago.

The fiancee of journalist Jamal Khashoggi sued Saudi Arabia's crown prince and other officials Tuesday in a US court, seeking damages for his brutal murder in Istanbul two years ago. Turkish citizen Hatice Cengiz and the human rights group Khashoggi formed before his death, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), is pursuing Mohammed bin Salman and 28 others for damages over the October 2, 2018 killing of the US-based writer. Also read: Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee pleads Premier League to block Saudi takeover The civil lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also named more than 20 other Saudis as defendants. It coincides with complications in the US-Saudi relationship over the 2018 slaying of Khashoggi, Riyadh’s human rights record, its role in Yemen’s civil war, and other issues. The Saudi embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. The crown prince, known by his initials 'MbS' has denied ordering Khashoggi's murder. Khashoggi, who criticised the policies of the crown prince, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, in his columns, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He went there to obtain papers he needed to marry Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish citizen. Cengiz and Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), a US-based human rights group founded by Khashoggi, a legal resident of Virginia, filed the lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia. It names several of the crown prince's aides and officials who were convicted in Saudi Arabia of the murder. The prosecution declared the Saudi case closed. The lawsuit charged that MbS, his co-defendants and others carried out a plot to "permanently silence Mr. Khashoggi" no later than the summer of 2018 after discovering his "plans to utilize DAWN as a platform to espouse democratic reform and promote human rights." A lawsuit was filed in August in a US court by a former top Saudi intelligence official who accused the crown prince of sending a hit team to kill him in Canada, where he lives in exile. Both lawsuits were brought under a law allowing U.S. court actions against foreign officials over allegations of involvement in torture or extrajudicial killings.

Jamal Khashoggi: Journalist's fiancee sues Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince&nbsp;Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of&nbsp;attempted assassination.

An ex-Saudi intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri, has alleged that MBS sent an assassination team, also known as Tiger Squad, to kill him. He claimed the attempted assassination was a result of his awareness about MBS' activities and his relations with several organisations.

Jabri is currently in hiding somewhere in Canada with high-level security, including the local police and private bodyguards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-did-not-break-law-by-selling-arms-to-saudi-concludes-us-ig-319593">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG</a>

The summons served to the Prince also name 12 other people, including&nbsp;former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani, former deputy head of military intelligence Ahmed al-Asiri, top aide of MBS Bader al-Asaker, and two American citizens&nbsp;Layla Abuljadayel (Massachusetts)&nbsp;and Yousef al-Rajhi (Virginia).

"Few alive know more about Defendant bin Salman than Dr Saad," the lawsuit read.

"Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating, and damning information about Defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad—except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing," the lawsuit read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-gcc-call-for-tehran-arms-embargo-extension-is-unrealistic-319423">Also read:&nbsp;Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic'</a>

Jabri filed the case after his two children, Sarah and Omar, were arrested, and later disappeared,&nbsp;in March, which was followed by Jabri's brother's arrest in May.

The US court has warned the prince that if he does not appear in the court at the mentioned date and time, the&nbsp;"judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint."

A State Department of thee&nbsp;US has backed Jabri saying,&nbsp;"Saad al-Jabri was a valued partner to the United States on countering terrorism. Saad's work with the United States helped save American and Saudi lives."

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of attempted assassination.

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of attempted assassination. An ex-Saudi intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri, has alleged that MBS sent an assassination team, also known as Tiger Squad, to kill him. He claimed the attempted assassination was a result of his awareness about MBS' activities and his relations with several organisations. Jabri is currently in hiding somewhere in Canada with high-level security, including the local police and private bodyguards. Also read: Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG The summons served to the Prince also name 12 other people, including former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani, former deputy head of military intelligence Ahmed al-Asiri, top aide of MBS Bader al-Asaker, and two American citizens Layla Abuljadayel (Massachusetts) and Yousef al-Rajhi (Virginia). "Few alive know more about Defendant bin Salman than Dr Saad," the lawsuit read. "Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating, and damning information about Defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad—except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing," the lawsuit read. Also read: Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic' Jabri filed the case after his two children, Sarah and Omar, were arrested, and later disappeared, in March, which was followed by Jabri's brother's arrest in May. The US court has warned the prince that if he does not appear in the court at the mentioned date and time, the "judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint." A State Department of thee US has backed Jabri saying, "Saad al-Jabri was a valued partner to the United States on countering terrorism. Saad's work with the United States helped save American and Saudi lives."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman summoned by US court for attempted assassination

A new report has claimed that Senior Royals in Saudi Arabia tried to block the accession to the throne of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This report decodes the reasons behind the latest Royal purge.

Gravitas: An attempt to block Saudi Crown Prince's accession?

There is no one to challenge Mohammad Bin Salman's grip on power. But, the Saudi Crown Prince still faces several challenges.

WION Edit: Why Saudi Crown Prince is consolidating power? | Gravitas

The United Nations demanded an immediate investigation on Wednesday into allegations that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/describing-as-absurd-saudi-arabia-rejects-hacking-jeff-bezos-phone-reports-275917">Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince hacked Amazon chief</a>&nbsp;Jeff Bezo's phone with malware video.

According to the analysis released on Friday by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohammed-bin-salman-caught-spying-jeff-bezos-accused-saudi-prince-of-hacking-his-phone-275857">Amazon chief Jeff Bezos's phone was likely infected by spyware</a> hidden in a message from which sent from a WhatsApp account that belongs to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

UN Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and David Kaye said in a statement in Geneva said that the latest findings "suggest the possible involvement of the Crown Prince in surveillance of Mr Bezos, in an effort to influence, if not silence, the Washington Post's reporting on Saudi Arabia."

Amazon chief Bezos is the owner of the Washington Post.

"The alleged hacking of Mr Bezos's phone, and those of others, demands an immediate investigation by the US and other relevant authorities," Kaye and Callamard said in the statement.

Meanwhile, the reports also revealed that the Saudi Prince sent a text message to Bezos in February after exchanging numbers with him at a dinner in Los Angeles during a Mohammed bin Salman's US trip.

"Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true," the message said. "You know the truth, there is nothing against you or Amazon from me or Saudi Arabia," news agency AFP reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-takes-a-dig-at-mark-zuckerberg-calls-making-of-facebook-childs-play-274396">Also read:&nbsp;Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos takes a dig at Mark Zuckerberg, calls making of Facebook child's play</a>

Then after months of no communication, Saudi Prince sent another message to Bezos which contained a large video file which then led to the hacking of his phone.

"We know from a comprehensive examination of the forensic artefacts on Bezos' phone that within hours of the encrypted downloader being received, a massive and unauthorised exfiltration of data from Bezos' phone began, continuing and escalating for months thereafter," the forensic report said.&nbsp;

The analysis also suggested that the hackers may have used a type of spyware used in other Saudi surveillance cases, such as Pegasus-3 malware developed by the Israeli security firm NSO Group.

&nbsp;The latest findings are set to worsen the relations between the world's richest man and the kingdom which had soured following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, who was also a columnist for the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, Bezos on Wednesday posted a cryptic tweet as he shared a picture of a slain journalist with a hashtag Jamal.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jamal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jamal</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ej1rUBXVb">pic.twitter.com/8ej1rUBXVb</a>
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/1220059386694922240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The United Nations demanded an immediate investigation on Wednesday into allegations that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince hacked Amazon chief Jeff Bezo's phone with malware video.

The United Nations demanded an immediate investigation on Wednesday into allegations that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince hacked Amazon chief Jeff Bezo's phone with malware video. According to the analysis released on Friday by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos's phone was likely infected by spyware hidden in a message from which sent from a WhatsApp account that belongs to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. UN Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and David Kaye said in a statement in Geneva said that the latest findings "suggest the possible involvement of the Crown Prince in surveillance of Mr Bezos, in an effort to influence, if not silence, the Washington Post's reporting on Saudi Arabia." Amazon chief Bezos is the owner of the Washington Post. "The alleged hacking of Mr Bezos's phone, and those of others, demands an immediate investigation by the US and other relevant authorities," Kaye and Callamard said in the statement. Meanwhile, the reports also revealed that the Saudi Prince sent a text message to Bezos in February after exchanging numbers with him at a dinner in Los Angeles during a Mohammed bin Salman's US trip. "Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true," the message said. "You know the truth, there is nothing against you or Amazon from me or Saudi Arabia," news agency AFP reported. Also read: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos takes a dig at Mark Zuckerberg, calls making of Facebook child's play Then after months of no communication, Saudi Prince sent another message to Bezos which contained a large video file which then led to the hacking of his phone. "We know from a comprehensive examination of the forensic artefacts on Bezos' phone that within hours of the encrypted downloader being received, a massive and unauthorised exfiltration of data from Bezos' phone began, continuing and escalating for months thereafter," the forensic report said. The analysis also suggested that the hackers may have used a type of spyware used in other Saudi surveillance cases, such as Pegasus-3 malware developed by the Israeli security firm NSO Group. The latest findings are set to worsen the relations between the world's richest man and the kingdom which had soured following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, who was also a columnist for the Washington Post. Meanwhile, Bezos on Wednesday posted a cryptic tweet as he shared a picture of a slain journalist with a hashtag Jamal. #Jamal pic.twitter.com/8ej1rUBXVb — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) January 22, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

'Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true': Saudi Crown Prince Salman's text to Bezos

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected on Sunday to formally launch a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aramco-ipo-will-be-saudi-crown-princes-decision-minister-258759"> long-anticipated stock offering of Saudi Aramco</a>, a person close to the matter said Friday.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-aramco-to-keep-46-million-barrels-of-oil-in-indian-storage-report-258774">Aramco stock listing</a>, a key component of bin Salman's overall policy agenda, will offer a small fraction of the petroleum giant.

Valued at between $1.5 and $1.7 trillion, Aramco is the biggest company ever.

Aramco is expected to sell a total of five per cent on two exchanges, with an initial listing of two per cent on the Tadawul Saudi bourse in December.

That will be followed next year by a three per cent listing in overseas exchange, but that has yet to be picked, the person said.

Prince Mohammed is expected on Sunday to provide specifics on the domestic aspects of the IPO, including a date, the person added.

The kingdom's de facto ruler, Prince Mohammed has viewed the stock offering as a critical component of "Vision 2030," a program to diversify the Saudi economy and shift Aramco from "an oil-producing company into a global industrial conglomerate," according to the Saudi government website.

The plan also envisions building half of Saudi weapons systems within the kingdom itself.

Aramco was expected to launch the first part of the two-stage IPO in October, but the process has been delayed, reportedly due to the prince's dissatisfaction with the valuation of the firm, which fell short of the hoped-for $2 trillion.

Aramco executives have encountered scepticism among investors in London and New York on questions about the firm's transparency, governance practices and targeted valuation, the source told AFP.

Architects of the offering have targeted rich Saudi families and local asset managers as buyers of the stock and prodded Saudi banks to make financing available to retail investors to support the offering, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

Andrew Lebow, senior partner at Commodity Research Group and an expert on oil markets, said Aramco has become more transparent, but that there were still questions about how much it will disclose.

"It's hard to say whether we are going to get the full picture," Lebow said. "Certainly Aramco is much more transparent than they have ever been, but whether we are going to see the financials with the full clarity is an open question."

The offering means that "for the first time Aramco is going to have to deal with shareholders," Lebow said. "Those meetings should be pretty interesting."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected on Sunday to formally launch a long-anticipated stock offering of Saudi Aramco, a person close to the matter said Friday.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected on Sunday to formally launch a long-anticipated stock offering of Saudi Aramco, a person close to the matter said Friday. The Aramco stock listing, a key component of bin Salman's overall policy agenda, will offer a small fraction of the petroleum giant. Valued at between $1.5 and $1.7 trillion, Aramco is the biggest company ever. Aramco is expected to sell a total of five per cent on two exchanges, with an initial listing of two per cent on the Tadawul Saudi bourse in December. That will be followed next year by a three per cent listing in overseas exchange, but that has yet to be picked, the person said. Prince Mohammed is expected on Sunday to provide specifics on the domestic aspects of the IPO, including a date, the person added. The kingdom's de facto ruler, Prince Mohammed has viewed the stock offering as a critical component of "Vision 2030," a program to diversify the Saudi economy and shift Aramco from "an oil-producing company into a global industrial conglomerate," according to the Saudi government website. The plan also envisions building half of Saudi weapons systems within the kingdom itself. Aramco was expected to launch the first part of the two-stage IPO in October, but the process has been delayed, reportedly due to the prince's dissatisfaction with the valuation of the firm, which fell short of the hoped-for $2 trillion. Aramco executives have encountered scepticism among investors in London and New York on questions about the firm's transparency, governance practices and targeted valuation, the source told AFP. Architects of the offering have targeted rich Saudi families and local asset managers as buyers of the stock and prodded Saudi banks to make financing available to retail investors to support the offering, Bloomberg reported. Andrew Lebow, senior partner at Commodity Research Group and an expert on oil markets, said Aramco has become more transparent, but that there were still questions about how much it will disclose. "It's hard to say whether we are going to get the full picture," Lebow said. "Certainly Aramco is much more transparent than they have ever been, but whether we are going to see the financials with the full clarity is an open question." The offering means that "for the first time Aramco is going to have to deal with shareholders," Lebow said. "Those meetings should be pretty interesting."

Saudi Crown Prince to formally launch Aramco IPO on Sunday: Report

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