(May 8, 2023 / JNS) U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday with Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom’s crown prince (known as MBS), along with UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, “to advance their shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Middle East region interconnected with India and the world,” per a White House readout.

The leaders were also expected to discuss a railroad network connecting the Gulf and Arab states with India, to counter China’s “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative, Axios reported. The outlet also noted that U.S. officials briefed Israel on the meeting.

“A more integrated, interconnected Middle East empowers our allies and partners, advances regional peace and prosperity, and reduces the resource demands on the U.S. in this region over the long term without sacrificing our fundamental interests or our involvement in the region,” Sullivan has said.

Should a railroad network connect the region—and if Israel and Saudi Arabia can come to an understanding—Israel reportedly could join the infrastructure project as well.