Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz has commented that this year, the Kingdom's National Day coincides with the approaching 100th anniversary [in the Islamic lunar calendar] of the event [the taking of the Masmak fortress in Riyadh in 1902] that led to the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. Prince Bandar said the security, prosperity and stability enjoyed by Saudis today are the fruits of the great efforts being exerted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz. Prince Bandar went on to underscore the importance of the upcoming visit to the USA by the Crown Prince, saying: "Crown Prince Abdullah is a distinguished statesman who embodies the ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its political trends." The Crown Prince and his accompanying delegation are looking forward to meeting with U.S. officials to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest taking into account the important role being played by the Kingdom at regional and international levels.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom Wyche Fowler has extended congratulations to King Fahd, to the Kingdom's government, and to the Saudi people on the occasion of the country's national day, remarking that King Abdul Aziz united the land with vision, wisdom, courage and strength, in a common bond of nationhood, thus setting the stage for the leadership role Saudi Arabia was destined to assume regionally and internationally, one that it continues to play on the world stage. He went on to say: "King Abdul Aziz was to you, the people of Saudi Arabia, a respected and beloved leader. To the people of the United States, as well, King Abdul Aziz is a leader of historic importance." Referring to the 1945 meeting between King Abdul Aziz and President Franklin Roosevelt, he said its importance was captured in the President's remark that he had learned more in five minutes of conversation with the Saudi King than he could have learned from the exchange of a dozen letters. "This tradition", he said, "of consultation and friendship, has continued to characterize the relationship between our two countries over the past fifty years. I am honored and pleased that Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, has accepted the invitation extended to him to visit my country, the United States of America."

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