On a social level, the Kingdom has undertaken a program to modernize its educational system with an emphasis on critical thinking, math and science. And politically, Saudi Arabia has worked to expand citizen participation, including holding elections to municipal councils, he noted.
“If you look at the Kingdom today, it is a country that is moving forward at great speed economically and socially, and even politically – despite what some people say,” Prince Turki said.
Because Saudi Arabia is part of a global community, efforts to benefit Saudis also benefit those with whom the Kingdom interacts. This is especially true of the United States, with whom the Kingdom shares a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship, the ambassador remarked.
“We’ve gone through difficult periods and easy periods, and it will continue to be this way,” Prince Turki said of the Saudi-US relationship. “But this is the nature of any relationship, whether between friends or between countries. Ultimately, we always return to seeing the real reason why we stick it out with one another: Quite simply, we work well together.”
The relationship is one that will continue to develop as the two countries work together to address today’s many global challenges.
“Saudi Arabia and the United States must cooperate with each other to redefine our relationship as world events evolve,” Prince Turki said. “As Ambassador to your great country, I am privileged to contribute to developing this relationship.”
During his visit to Wilmington, Prince Turki was also presented with a key to the city by Director of the Office of Economic Development Joseph DiPinto.
Transcript of Prince Turki's remarks