LONDON: Saudi Arabia is optimistic about having an “excellent relationship” with the US under the leadership of its new president, the Kingdom’s foreign minister told Al Arabiya.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan added that “common interests” between the two countries had not changed and that the Biden administration will find that Saudi Arabia and the US have common goals regarding the situation in Yemen.

Washington’s designation of the Houthis is deserved, the minister added during an interview with the news channel on Thursday.

Prince Faisal also said that if the Houthis decide that putting Yemen’s interests first is a priority, this will facilitate a solution to the crisis in the country. 

The foreign minister added that the Iranian regime must change its ideas and focus on the prosperity of its people and that the Islamic Republic’s calls for dialogue are not serious. 

He said that the Kingdom would consult the US with regards to an agreement with Iran so that it will have a strong basis. 

The minister continued by saying that European countries understand that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran contained shortcomings.

On Iraq, Prince Faisal praised Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi’s government and said that it is doing robust work to build the country’s institutions.

He added that there was continuous security coordination between Saudi Arabia and Iraq and that the Kingdom was keen to increase economic cooperation with the country.