- The Washington Times - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister offered condolences to President Obama Wednesday for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal made the gesture during a meeting at the White House that included National Security Advisor Tom Donilon.

The White House didn’t report Mr. Obama’s response about the Boston tragedy, but said the president asked Mr. Al-Faisal “to convey his best wishes to King Abdullah bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud.”

Although Saudi Arabia is a longtime ally of the U.S., terrorism is a complicated issue between the two nations. Fifteen of the 19 suicide hijackers in the 9/11 attacks were Saudi citizens, and Osama bin Laden was born in Saudi Arabia.

In the immediate aftermath of the Boston bombings, police questioned a Saudi national, but authorities later said he was considered only a witness.

The White House said Mr. Obama and Mr. Al-Faisal “reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and discussed developments in the region, including the conflict in Syria.”


SEE ALSO: Obama calls Boston Marathon bombings an ‘act of terror’


• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.

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