Saudi king receives CENTCOM commander in Riyadh

RIYADH (AA) – Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Monday received Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) General Kenneth McKenzie in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Monday’s meeting comes one week after the kingdom announced plans to host a preparatory meeting in advance of the anticipated launch of a U.S.-sponsored “Middle East Strategic Alliance” ostensibly aimed at offsetting Iranian regional influence.

Along with U.S. and Saudi officials, the preparatory meeting will also reportedly include representatives of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Jordan.

According to Saudi officials cited by SPA, the proposed Mideast alliance is aimed at “promoting security and stability in the region and world”.

Despite its participation in similar conferences in the past, Cairo will not be sending representatives to the planned preparatory meeting.

SPA did not provide any details regarding the itinerary or duration of McKenzie’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Nor was it possible for Anadolu Agency to obtain comment from U.S. officials regarding the agenda of his visit.

Notably, however, McKenzie made a similar trip to Doha on Sunday, where he held talks with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Monday’s meeting in Riyadh was also attended by the Saudi foreign minister and interior minister, along with a number of other top Saudi officials, according to SPA.

The U.S. delegation, meanwhile, also included U.S. Charge d‘Affaires in Saudi Arabia Christopher Henzel and other U.S. government representatives.

CENTCOM is responsible for all U.S. military activity in countries including Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.