Saudi Gazette report

WASHINGTON — Princess Reema Bint Bandar Bin Sultan, Saudi ambassador to the United States, underscored the strength of the historic relations between the two countries, saying that the ties are much deeper than one Saudi leader or one American president.

Princess Reema made the remarks while addressing a virtual conference of the National Council on US-Arab Relations, titled “The Next US Presidency: Implications for the US-Arab Relationship.” In her speech, the ambassador dealt with topics such as the growing US-Saudi relations, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the ongoing efforts to combat extremism and terrorism in the region.

Reema emphasized that the relations between Saudi Arabia and the US are strong and historic that span over eight decades. These deep-rooted ties not only bring together the leadership of the two countries but also their people. “Our partnership is bipartisan. It’s a relationship that has been valued by both Democratic and Republican administrations. Our relationship is far deeper than just one Saudi leader or one American president,” she said.

On the significance of growing ties with the US, she said: “With the Kingdom’s growing global role, especially with its presidency of the G20, its responsibility in the region, the Middle East and the Gulf is constantly increasing, and this will be important to our partnership with the United States. Whenever our economic, social, and cultural reforms in the Kingdom are stronger, we will be in a better position, qualifying us to be the largest reliable partner in the region for the US,” she said.

Princess Reema also noted: “We will be able to assume a greater leadership role in the region and bear a greater part of the responsibility, and we will do so without neglecting our focus on peace, stability, and prosperity.”

The Kingdom is witnessing tremendous and unprecedented changes and its leadership is making efforts to bring about the change, not only at the domestic level but also through our foreign policy, Princess Reema said, adding that it is an agenda designed to achieve permanent peace, security, and prosperity for the region and the world.

The ambassador also spoke about the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the reforms that Saudi Arabia is witnessing in various fields. She underlined the importance of confronting Iran’s misbehavior in the region, reining in the Houthis in Yemen, combating extremism and terrorism, and the importance of reaching a solution to the Palestinian issue.