Blinken, MBS hold “candid” talks in Jeddah: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met yesterday to discuss a range of bilateral issues in what one US official described as an “open, candid” conversation, according to Reuters. Among the topics of discussion were the conflict in Sudan, security in Yemen, counterterrorism and economic cooperation, according to a readout from the US State Department.

Blinken’s visit comes at a time of frosty relations between the two sides: Riyadh’s relationship with the Biden administration has often been tense, and its recent embrace of China, the shock rapprochement with Iran and Syria, and its moves to boost oil prices have put further strain on their relationship.

Could Libya see elections soon? Rival Libyan factions have agreed on a legal process to pave the way for presidential and legislative elections during talks in Morocco, representatives of both parties said yesterday, according to AFP. Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the sides would sign agreements “in the coming days.” The arrangements would then be sent to the country’s parliament for approval.

Elections due to be held in the country more than two years ago were canceled due to disputes about who should be allowed to stand for president. Libya remains split between a nominal interim government based in Tripoli in the west and another in the east backed by General Khalifa Haftar.

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