Trump discusses safe zones, terror fight with Saudi King Salman

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President Trump spoke with Saudi Arabian King Salman Sunday, and discussed the possible formation of safe zones in Syria and Yemen, as well as a new effort to fight terrorism in the Middle East.

In the conversation, according to a readout released by the White House, the pair “agreed on the importance of strengthening joint efforts to fight the spread of radical Islamic terrorism” and also on securing peace in the region, particularly in the Yemen and Syrian crises.

The White House said the King also agreed to support safe zones in Syria and Yemen, something Trump called for repeatedly during his presidential campaign.

“The President requested and the King agreed to support safe zones in Syria and Yemen, as well as supporting other ideas to help the many refugees who are displaced by the ongoing conflicts,” the readout said.

They also discussed Trump leading a “Middle East effort to defeat terrorism” which would also help build a new economic and social future in the region.

Trump signed an executive order Friday suspending refugee admissions and immigration from seven terror-prone countries including Syria and Yemen.

Critics of Trump’s executive action have noted that Saudi Arabia – where many 9/11 terrorists were from – wasn’t included on the list of countries subject to restrictions. However, the administration has noted that the list was actually drawn up by the Obama administration.