Rubio discusses Gaza plan with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met and discussed plans for Gaza, a spokesperson for the State Department said.

Rubio is currently on a the Middle East tour after President Trump infuriated the Arab world with a proposal for the Palestinian residents to be resettled in other Arab nations and for the US to lead reconstruction of the enclave.

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Secretary Rubio underscored the importance of an arrangement for Gaza, which contributes to regional security.

He added that the two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and discussed Lebanon, Syria, the Red Sea.

SPA, the Saudi state news agency, has reported the tow leaders discussed regional and global developments and efforts to achieve security and stability.

Earlier, Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia from Israel where he began his first visit as the top US diplomat to the region .

His previously planned visit comes ahead of an anticipated meeting between US officials with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The meeting will focus on ending the war in Ukraine and restoring broader US-Russia ties.

Neither US nor Russia’s statement mentioned discussions about Ukraine.